Taekwondo jins from Iloilo Mark V. Pinggol Taekwondo Gym displayed a formidable performance in the 2021 SMART/MVPSF Online National Taekwondo Speed Kicking Championships over the weekend.

The Denmark Pinggol-mentored MVPinians finished with five gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze medals in the recent tournament.

It was a nice comeback for Miagao pride Angela Joy Marie Bermejo as she led the team to a golden victory. Her teammates Ianna Gabriella Rosales, Francheska Isobelle Dunton, Marielle Faye Lagamo, and Alicia Sophia Gutierrez also added the victory with a gold medal each.

“The game itself was nerve wracking even before the final taping but after finding out the results, I felt relieved and grateful for having the gold medal for this event. I want to thank my coaches, Sir Mark, Sir Diego and Sir Mel, my parents, teammates and to myself for believing in me and also for having God and my lola beside me for this achievement,” Bermejo said.

With a limited time to practice, silver medalists Pearl Danielle Rosales, Jenella Ashley Tionko, Cyd Edryc Esmaña, Alyanah Julienne Tionko, Phil Caleb Regalado, James Annrhey Pecayco, and Alexis Araneta proved that they are the products of the home of young champions.

Sirch Einreb Damaolao, Jannah Ysabel Velez, Jhed Anthony Morata, Shanen Anica Feranco, Adrian Joseph Gajasan III, Anthony Benedict Planta, Shires Pastolero, Phil Andrew Margarico, Charee Marie Florence Genecela, and Sheine Nicole De Asis also completed the 20-medal haul with a bronze medal finish.

Morata, who returned to the game after four months said, it’s a great feeling but he needs to improve his skills.

“It’s good to be back, hindi gid siya totally good comeback galing, because it’s only third place. Next tournament, I’ll do better para ma kwa ang 1st place or gold medal. Nag stop ako for 4 months, kay umpisa sang lockdown naga onlime paman ko, kag the difference sang pag balik ko sa taekwondo after biking is, daw mamagan siya sa feeling kay nag loose ko weight,” he shared.

For Pinggol, he said this is the first national speed kicking competition of the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) since last time it’s Poomsae.

“We’re very happy for the good performance and excellent outcome. But still, ang among kyorugi will have to be developed. We need to keep on moving forward to send good jins just like in Poomsae. It was also a challenge for us ang MECQ so nag reset kita sa online than actual. We need to keep going ad pushing. Indi maging relaxed. Thank you to all the MVP parents and coaches for without them, this won’t be possible,” he added.IMT

Photo of Angela Joy Marie Bermejo