Tagaytay City’s UCI-certified velodrome, the only one of its kind in the Philippines, is about to trade cyclists for gymnasts as it hosts the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships from August 4 to 7.

The Philippine Sports Commission-presented event will bring more than 400 athletes and officials from 11 countries to the reconfigured Tagaytay City Velodrome, marking one of the biggest international sporting events the lakeside city has hosted to date.

The venue itself came through a personal connection. Gymnastics Association Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion said Philippine Olympic Committee President and former Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino offered up the facility directly.

“Philippine Olympic Committee President and former Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino graciously offered us the Tagaytay City Velodrome for our event. After inspecting it, we gratefully accepted his offer,” Carrion said.

Velodrome’s Makeover Sets Stage for 11-Nation Field

The competition, organized by GAP and sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union, has the full backing of the Tagaytay city government under Mayor Brent Tolentino.

Top aerobic gymnasts from Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and host nation Philippines will compete for continental honors.

“We would like to thank POC President Bambol, Mayor Brent, and Vice Mayor Agnes for their all-out support in the hosting of this big international gymnastics event,” Carrion said.

The velodrome, built to accommodate cycling events, was modified to hold a crowd of 3,000 for the gymnastics championships. Carrion called it a unique and picture-worthy arena for the tournament.

“This is another noteworthy project hosted by GAP under the leadership of Tita Cynthia,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, referencing GAP’s earlier staging of the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships last year. “The association has already shown its superb ability in hosting and organizing international events.”

Staging the event outside Metro Manila aligns with Gregorio’s broader push to boost local tourism through international sporting events, tapping into their potential to generate income for host communities.

Tagaytay Rolls Out Hospitality Perks for Visiting Athletes

Beyond the competition, Tagaytay is leaning into its identity as a tourist destination for the visiting delegations.

Carrion said the city has arranged hospitality packages and side events highlighting local attractions, including Tagaytay’s well-known coconut pie and bulalo, a beef and bone marrow stew popular with visitors.

“There is a variety of opportunities that our athletes and delegates for the 10th Senior Aerobic Championships can choose from when they visit Tagaytay, a beautiful and inspiring environment where they will return home with wonderful memories of their visit,” she said.

“The Tagaytay City government has also instructed commercial establishments like restaurants and cafes to give our participants discounts and other privileges,” Carrion added.

The event will also carry over some flair from GAP’s previous world championship hosting duties. Bughaw and Lila, the official mascots from last year’s junior worlds, will make an appearance at the meet. The championships will also feature an original music video produced by the band KO Jones, led by Warren Norton, son of the GAP president.

“We can expect GAP to raise the bar higher with its hosting of the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships,” Gregorio said. “And with the support of POC President Bambol and Mayor Brent, we are assured of another stellar international sporting event.”