Golden lifts from Hidilyn army

MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz’s influence is in full effect.

Weightlifters from her training centers in Rizal and hometown Zamboanga City made their moves even as tracksters propelled Manila to an early lead in the explosive second day of the 2025 Batang Pinoy yesterday at the Barangay Labangal Gymnasium here.

Both avid fans of Diaz with hopes of following her suit, Stephanie Mandigma led Rizal’s three-gold medal haul while Kyle Nathan Kue carried the fight for Zamboanga en route to a five-gold medal harvest.

The 14-year-old Mandigma lifted a total of 113 kilograms to rule the girls’ 40kg division while Kyle Nathan Kue carried a total of 150kg (65 in snatch, 85 in clean and jerk) to reign supreme in the boys’ 12-age category.

“Coach Hidilyn inspires me. Thankful po ako na maging coach si Hidilyn kasi kung wala po siya, hindi ko makukuha itong gold,” said Mandigma.

“It inspires me to work harder so I can be the next Olympian of the Philippines, win many medals throughout my life and become famous like my idol, Ate Hidilyn,” said Kue.

Pep Samantha Agosto, also from Diaz’s training center in Rizal, topped the girls’ 11-age category with a 135kg lift.

For Zamboanga, Hero Anthony Alas-as (95kg in boys’ 10), Jane Marie Manalo (108kg in girls’ 10), Cydrille Jay Andalahao (115kg in boys’ 38kg division) and Precious Jade Lozada (90kg in girls’ 36kg division) took top honors.