AFTER a successful stint in an online tournament hosted by Mexico in October, Bacoleña gymnasts from MK Gymnastics came out with another great performance in the just-concluded Regina Online Rhythmic Gymnastics Online competition in South Africa.

This international competition gathered around 156 gymnasts from 32 clubs in 12 countries -- including the Philippines.

Eleven-year-old Matthea Given Efenio of Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS) finished Rank 1 in the ball apparatus and second in the Individual all-around for the 2009 age group.

It was recalled Efenio also captured the gold medal in the rope category (10 to 12 years old) during the Mexico competition.

Also made a very impressive finish in the competition is St. Scholastica’s Academy mainstay 13-year-old Bianca Isabelle Celis, who settled Rank 2 in the ball apparatus as well as second in the individual all-around for the 2007 age group category.

Celis also finished the bronze medal in the rope category (13 to 15 years old) in the Mexico event.

Finally, BTTHS’ Kiana Marie Alagaban, 16, settled Rank 3 in the ribbon and ball category and fourth in the individual all-around category.

The junior gymnast also won the bronze medal in the ball category (16-and-up division) in the Mexico event.

Among other Bacolod-based gymnasts who first-time competed in an international event are St. Scho’s Kryztahl Jade Manalo, Tay Tung’s Jilian Krishna Dela Cruz, and Mansilingan Christian Academy’s Zeeva Alexandra Arnoco, who finished fourth, sixth, and eighth places, respectively, in the freehand 2010 category, while Annicak Zoe Chua settled for eight place in the freehand 2011 category.

The team was mentored by Kris Joy Leeping and Lady Liza Deles.