By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Mark V. Pinggol (MVP) taekwondo gym wrapped up another local tournament with a flawless finish after collecting a total of 28 gold medals during the recently concluded 4th Mayor Stephen Palmares Invitational Taekwondo Championships on March 30, 2024, at the Passi Arena.
Fresh off a dominant outing during the National CPJ Taekwondo Championships in Manila, the young MVP jins were all gas no breaks as they made waves once again against the best taekwondo athletes in Western Visayas.
After the deliberation of the results, the Iloilo MVP gym was hailed as the overall champions in the Poomsae category with 13 gold medals and second runner-up in Kyorugi with 15 gold medals. With 28 golds, the widely-renowned taekwondo lair bagged the first runner-up among all participants.
Leading the way for the poomsae athletes who delivered the gold for the Iloilo MVP gym were Xabriel Zia Gebucon, Calvin Avery Valencia, Aundrea Bliss Valencia, Arvin Kirk Derayunan, Caeylen C. Balino, Xian Jaiden J.Bayasca, Angelica Crystal B. Dilag, Jose B. Dilag III, Jin Saimon Saquilon, Melben Raljan Elueso, Nicah Jane Robles, and Maczen Rea.
Meanwhile, the gold medalists in the kyorugi category are Joannah Donguila, Khent Wharlie Donguila, Tiffany Greme Derayunan, Antonio Cezar Roldan, Brayden Paul Diamante, Prince Ivan Dugayo, Adrian Renz Barcemo, Rein Ian Dongosa, Angel Rochelle B. Dilag, Cirila Johanne O.Sulatra, Hertzela Avryl Sinoy, Jon Xyrell D. Dulos, Prince Francis J. Jastillano, Lance Terrence D. Baylon, and Jose Miguel Ariete.
Poomsae players who were able to cop silver were Nathan Xander C. Sirilan, Cirila Johanne O. Sulatra, Ashley A. Parreñas, and Denise Emerald V. Baloco.
Mc Greg Alfonso Donguila, Andre Jules Jordan, Jesimiel Amzi Austria, and Jude Kevin Romea then won silver medals in the kyorugi category.
Mr. Mark V. Pinggol himself, the mentor and the coach of the Iloilo MVP jins, added another trophy to his collection after bagging the Best Coach Award.
Iloilo MVP products Andria Margaret Palabrica and Kate Santocildes then nabbed special awards during the event, the Best Referee (New PTA Licensed Referee) and the Best Referee (Old PTA Licensed Referee), respectively.
