By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Six Ilonggo karatekas recently turned heads during the 2023 Karate Pilipinas National Championship last February 20, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena, Pasig.
Representing the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts Inc. (ITSMAI), the crew composed of Bryan Bert Bancolo, Leonilo Bañes, Jan Michael Lozada, Patricia Judilla, Hurst Leonor Saul, and Adrian Gabriel Solas garnered two gold medals, two silvers, and two bronze medals.
The talented Ilonggo representatives were coached by veteran mentor Zydrix John Sipe while being supervised by team manager Mr. Gerald Tinagan.
“TINAGAN KARATEDO ATHLETES TKA started their journey way back in 2018 and their determination and hard work kept them to stay on track with their goal which is to represent not only the Iloilo city but the whole nation Philippines as well,” said Tinagan in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
Bancolo, a 14-year-old ITSMAI pride from Jaro, Iloilo, set the tone for the Ilonggos after winning the first gold medal in the Kumite Cadets -57 kg category.
Raising the second gold medal for ITSMAI is the 15-year-old Bañes from Barotac Viejo currently taking his secondary education at the Riverview Adventist Academy.
The duo of Lozada and Judilla then managed to settle for the silver medal in the Kumite Cadets -52 kg and the Kumite Cadets -61 kg, respectively.
Meanwhile, Saul and Solas, the pride of Molo and Tigbauan, Iloilo, respectively, beat the buzzer in the list of winners and were able to deliver bronze medals for ITSMAI.
Special mentions who also qualified in the tournament were Pio Hembra Judilla from San Jose Catholic School, EA Benedict Pasadas from Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, and Jan Zydrix Sipe from the University of Iloilo.
Aside from the pride of Iloilo, team Bacolod also made waves during the prestigious national competition and was able to win five medals.
Leading the Negros side is Ryan Glenn Giray, a 20-year-old karateka from the University of St. La Salle who was the lone silver medalist of the team.
The rest finished bronze in the tourney: Charles Angelo Rodriguez, Cherry Angela Rodriguez, Steffi Bernice Sarrosa, and Elianah Marie Contiga.
“Thank you to all TKA parents for their loving and unconditional support to the athletes, to their coach Zydrix John Sipe and Karate Pilipinas Inc. (KPI) for giving us this opportunity. To all the young karatedo enthusiasts and parents who would like to join and be part of our world-class athletes! You can visit our Dojo or message us on Facebook page,” added Tinagan.
