Davao Cousins Forge Archery Path with Discipline and Family Ties Ahead of 2026 Palaro
For cousins Daphne Manuelle M. Uyking and Jasmin Jane U. Lim, the sport of archery represents far more than simply hitting a target. It has evolved into a profound shared journey, meticulously shaped by missed shots, unwavering discipline, and the powerful bonds of family. As the highly anticipated 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan draws near, these Davao City-based archers from the Davao Region carry with them not just their bows and arrows, but a deep connection that continues to mold their character both on the range and in their daily lives.
A Partnership Forged Through Rigorous Training and Mutual Support
Uyking, a dedicated Grade 9 student at Davao Christian High School–CPG Campus, is poised to enter her third Palaro national competition. Lim, also a Grade 9 student from the school’s V. Mapa Campus, will be competing in her second Palaro appearance. The two train rigorously side by side, pushing each other through extensive hours of repetitive practice. Together, they meticulously refine every aspect of their technique—from their stance and anchor points to their release—while striving for impeccable consistency across challenging distances ranging from 30 to 70 meters.
Lim experienced a narrow miss at the podium during her Palaro debut last year in Ilocos Norte, finishing in fifth place. “Not really… na nervous ako if maybe some people improved (I was nervous thinking others might have improved),” she candidly recalled. Rather than allowing this setback to diminish her drive, Lim returned to her training regimen with renewed focus and determination. She committed to training four times per week, diligently tightened her shot grouping, and significantly improved her overall control. This dedicated effort yielded impressive results at the 2026 Davao Regional Athletic Association meet, where she proudly secured one gold medal and six silver medals. “Try to get isang medal (I’ll try to get at least one medal),” she affirmed with resolve.
Building Momentum and a Family Legacy in Archery
Uyking enters the national meet with formidable momentum following a truly dominant performance at the Davraa Meet 2026 held in Tagum City last February, where she achieved a remarkable sweep of eight gold medals. “I kind of expected like five golds but I didn’t expect getting all eight golds,” she admitted. Despite this extraordinary achievement, Uyking remains steadfast in her commitment to improvement, continuously working on her shot cycle with a sharp focus on consistency and control.
Her passion for archery was ignited at the age of 11 after exploring various other sports. “I really like archery because of the way the arrow hit the target. The sound of the arrow reaching the target is so satisfying,” she expressed. This enthusiasm quickly spread throughout her family. Today, four family members are actively engaged in competitive archery. Lim’s siblings—Abigail Jane Lim, a Grade 11 student at Davao Christian High School, and Phil Justin Lim, a Grade 8 student at Philippine Science High School—also compete as compound archers in prestigious events such as Batang Pinoy and World Archery-sanctioned competitions, both locally and internationally.
Guided Coaching and Ambitious Competitive Goals
Coach John-John Uyking leads the Davao Region girls’ archery team, which is scheduled to depart for Agusan on May 23. He provides essential guidance as the athletes sharpen both their technical form and mental focus in preparation for the national stage. Uyking and Lim are set to compete in multiple demanding events, including the 30m, 50m, 60m, 70m distances, and the Olympic round, with potential additional slots in team competitions.
Behind their steady and impressive rise in the sport lies a foundation that extends beyond raw talent. They embody a profound commitment to improvement after every off-target shot—making careful adjustments, maintaining patience, and stepping back to the firing line with renewed purpose and determination. For these dedicated cousins, each deliberate draw of the bow carries with it years of relentless practice, unwavering family support, and a quiet, steadfast belief in their abilities.
In Agusan, their aim transcends mere victory; they seek to demonstrate that true success is built on the pillars of discipline, resilience, and familial bonds—proving that these values can carry them forward, one precise shot at a time.
