After their spectacular performances during the evaluation process, four Ilonggo jins are now part of the National Taekwondo Team Training Pool for 2019-2020.
The four jins from Iloilo were selected after passing the evaluation in Saint Benilde College over the weekend.
In Kyorugi, Sophia Grace Go ranked first in the Middle Weight Division, while Miagao native Angela Joy Marie Bermejo ranked third in Junior Flyweight Division.
In Poomsae, Ateneo de Iloilo mainstay Cyd Edryc Esmaña finished second in Cadet Boys, while Julianna Martha Uy ranked third in Cadet Girls.
“As parents of Angela, we were very happy for her achievements. Now, this is what she wished for – to become part of the Philippine National Teakwondo Training Pool. She deserved not to anybody else but for herself. That’s the result of her sacrifices, hardships and perseverance in this sport” shared Mary Joyce, Angela’s mother.
All jins are part of the Mark V. Pinggol (MVP) Iloilo Gym which recently gave pride to the country after dominating taekwondo events in Thailand.
“My happiness is beyond words, it’s been a dream of my son to represent the country, he worked hard and prayed for this, I’m still continue praying to God to make this dream a reality,” said Cyd’s mother, Cyril.
Other Ilonggo participants were Niesha Kariz Pequierda – Ranked 8 (Finalist), Crisgel Castro – Ranked 6 (Finalist), Joshua Cachero – Ranked 7 (Finalist), and Roivic Decafe- Quarter Finalist.
“The feeling is overwhelming. To be part of the training pool is one of my dreams. I have prayed and work hard for it. It’s a big challenge for me to do my best, to be given a chance to represent the country in the near future, to train harder, while keeping my studies as my priority and honor God as my source of my strength and talent,” shared the younger Esmaña, who is now a two-time member of the training pool.IMT
