KALIBO, Aklan -- Philippines’ “Silat princess” Cherry Mae Regalado is being eyed to serve as torch bearer of Aklan in the upcoming Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) on February 15 to 22.

Regalado said she was informed by the Department of Education (DepEd) to grace the said regional event to be held at the Aklan Sports Complex in Makato, Aklan.

Regalado earned the monicker “Silat princess” from various international games for giving the Philippines a gold, several silver and bronze medals in Pencak Silat sports (Indonesian martial art) in many countries after 18 years of drought for Philippines having not earning medals.

“I still have to check with the National Sports Association (NSA) if they will allow me to attend the activity,” Regalado which hailed from Kalibo, Aklan said.

According to DepEd-Aklan, they anticipate around 7,000 athletes coming from different provinces in the region to participate in the different games. Aside from Makato, other towns such as Banga, Kalibo, Numancia and Malinao will also hosts several games.

The Aklan Provincial Government bid for the hosting in 2019 for the upcoming WVRAA meet.