Buhain addresses the crowd during the opening program.

Olympian Kayla Sanchez and a host of seasoned campaigners splashed their way to the spotlight even as new foreign-based bets made waves on a rain-soaked opening day of the 2025 National Swimming Tryouts on Friday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Center inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Asian Age-Group medalists Ajido, Mojdeh and White.

By Edwin Rollon

Olympic medalist Kyla Sanchez bannered a strong field of local and foreign-based bets as the 2025 National Swimming Team Tryouts opened Friday at the Teófilo Yldefonso Swimming Center inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Zoe Lim (Left) and Antonia Rafaella poses with their mom and coach Giselle.

The Philippine artistic swimming team continues to make waves in the international arena, bringing home three bronze medals from the recently concluded Panasonic Pan Asia 21st Hong Kong Artistic Swimming Open Championships, held at the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool.

Amaro and Garra poses with (from left) coach Isagani Cruz, PAI Secretary General Cong. Eric Buhain and wife Eileen.

Albert Jose Amaro II and Sophia Rose Garra delivered podium finishes for the lean 10-man Philippine swimming team in their respective age-group classes at the 47^th Southeast Asia Age-Group Swimming Championships, which culminate on Friday at the Singapore Sports Hub.

PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes (far left) answers question as the Philippine Diving team comprises of Chinese coach Chui, Rexcel Fabriga, Rose Ann Ocmer and coach Marie Dimanche looks on.

THE Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) solid program strengthens the swimming campaign and raises the quality of athletes from other sports under its management in international competitions.

Garra with coach Jenny Guerrero (File photo)

OLYMPIAN-TRAINED Sophia Garra of WaveRunners Swim Club swept three events via Qualifying Time Standard (QTS) to lead 10 top podium finishers who made a grade in the just concluded MVP/Smart-PAI National Tryouts for the 47th Southeast Asia (SEA) Age-Group Championships over the weekend at the Teofilo Yldefonso Aquatics Center in Malate, Manila.