By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Mark V. Pinggol (MVP) taekwondo gym continued its flawless outing on the national stage after raking medals during the recently concluded National New Face of the Year Philippine Taekwondo Championships last May 20-21, 2023.
Almost 3,000 aspiring jins flocked to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila to vie for the prestigious title to be recognized nationwide.
During the two-day competition, the Ilonggo jins raked a total of 11 golds, five silvers, and three bronze medals in both the poomsae and the kyorugi categories.
The Iloilo MVP gym won five golds in the poomsae category led by Adenny Lourl Rivera, Jin Saimon Saquilon, Rhyden Uri Figueroa, Maczen Rea, and Julia Hermosa Ilustre.
Meanwhile, the second and third placers in poomsae are Lindsy Lorraine Degayo and Meriel An Detablan.
Leading the pack of the kyorugi gold medalists are Rivera, Saquilon, Joel Alexander Cana, Kylie Ellise Olivares, Kim Xian Jude Arceña, and Duncan Kyle Rivera.
Eujean Ivanka Castete then delivered the silver medal while Khent Wharlie Donguila, Cirila Johanne Sulatra, Ilustre, Joannah Donguila, and Jannah Ysabel Velez settled for the bronze medal.
Special mentions who were able to make the quarterfinals are Alexander Gajasan, Figueora, Detablan, Red Dyron Lusaya, Sophia Marie Bautista, and Adrian Joseph Gajasan III.
After a tight and busy competing schedule for the Iloilo MVP gym, Mr. Pinggol himself said that they will take a much-needed break first before returning to training for the second batch of national tournaments.
