The Iloilo MVP Taekwondo jins proved to be one of the hotbeds of taekwondo stars in the country as they harvested 36 medals in the recently-concluded 2023 National Poomsae Taekwondo Championships at Ayala Malls Bay, Pasay City.

The Denmark Pinggol-mentored jins collected 14 gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze medals including two trophies – first runner-up in the grade-school division and the cadet division.

Showing great athleticism in the weekend matches, Cleo Aliyah Asumbra, Prince Ivan Dugayo, Xabriel Zia Gebucion, Amber Gale Abellar, Fritzjerald Encanto, Phil Andrew Margarico, Anthony Benedict Planta, Viene Marie Dulaca, Elisha Miela Paradero, and Justin Adrian Apura captured the gold medals in their respective categories.

For Apura, he said it feels great winning the gold medal, especially that he really didn’t expect to get it because he’s up against his co-members in the National Team training pool who were all great players.

“So i said it’s ok if I landed in the top 4 in our Cadet Blackbelt category. In the elimination round, i fell 0.01 short in getting the first spot. Come finals, when sir Mark said I got this, I didn’t want to disappoint him. Winning the gold is an overwhelming experience for me. All my hard work, intensive trainings and conditioning were paid off. I am very thankful to my coaches for believing in me and pushing me extra hard that day,” he added.

Love May Apura, Justin’s mother also thanked God for sustaining his son all throughout the tournament.

“As parents, we always challenge him to do his best. We listen to his pains and disappointments in training and encourage him to strive for progress not perfection. And to pray for God’s guidance and grace in everything, every time,” she added.

Back on track, Andria Margaret Palabrica, Princess Hannah Mia Cruz, Aundrea Bliss Valencia, Calvin Avery Valencia, and Jan Emmanuelle Dayata also delivered silver medals while Maczen Rea, Rhyden Uri Figueroa, Portia Alison Margarico, Ma. Louise Joselle Escoto, Nathan Lee Dedal, Phil Caleb Regalado, Margarette Gem Obsequio, Jenella Ashley Tionko, Cyd Edryc Esmaña, Sirch Einreb Damaolao got the bronze medals.

For Esmaña, getting a medal in Blackbelt Junior male is a very big bonus because of a tough competition in this category.

“I’m so happy that I maintained to be a medalist despite of many strong contenders, I just give my best and continue to enjoy the journey. And always grateful to all my coaches and seniors and give all the Glory to God,” he added.

Meanwhile, out of 69 jins, Lindsy Lorraine Degayo also ranked 22 in the junior female black belt division.

“The National Poomsae competition is one of the prestigious events of PTA. Amo ni gina look forward namon nga event every year since diri ginakuha ang ila rankings as well. Sa amon, we are happy with the results of the competition. We prepared and planned well. This is so far ang pinakabudlay kay we sent fresh jins from new divisions. Unlike last year nga experienced players na, subong mga 90 players nag change division and it’s a challenge sa ila nga part. Our Grade school and cadet nag perform gid mayo and nakakuha gid medals. We can’t make this possible without the coordination sang aton coaches and parents so thank you gid,” shared Pinggol.IMT Sports