By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
April Joy Gabayoyo, a third-year student enrolled at West Visayas State University (WVSU) pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education, made waves during the National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), which was held at the Camiguin Polytechnic State College Arena.
Against the best of the best jins from all over the Philippines, Gabayoyo reigned supreme in the heavyweight division of the women’s taekwondo event, taking down four representatives from the competing regions to clinch the gold medal.
It was an arduous road to gold for Gabayoyo, who represented Region VI, after immediately matching up against the representative from Region IV, one of the best jins in the heavyweight pool.
However, Gabayoyo remained laser-focused and stuck to her game plan, completing her first test with flying colors to advance to the next round.
Awaiting Gabayoyo during the tournament’s quarterfinals was Region V, another talented competitor in the heavyweight division.
Gabayoyo then picked up where she left off and prevailed over Region V to set up a highly-anticipated semifinal clash against the National Capital Region (NCR).
Unlike her first two matches, Gabayoyo had to flip the switch against NCR, which she did, in three tight rounds.
All her blood, sweat, and tears were then put on the line in the grand finals showdown against the best heavyweight jin from Region III.
Oozing with confidence, Gabayoyo repelled Region III in just two rounds, formalizing her way to become the queen of the heavyweight division in the Nat’l SCUAA taekwondo event.
April Joy is the daughter of one of the most respected sports patrons in the Province of Guimaras, Dr. Richard Gabayoyo.
Congratulations, April Joy!
