From a timid student in school, Ilongga jin Maria Beatriz Santos proved that playing taekwondo is a way to overcome shyness and to improve self-discipline not just in sports, but also in life.

Representing Iloilo Mark V. Pinggol Taekwondo Gym, Eia, as what her friends and teammates called her, started playing taekwondo at the age of six. 6years. “It was very hard for me especially when it comes to stretching splits because it was a new experience for me,” she explained.

The native of Mandurriao, Iloilo City said she joined Iloilo MVP to learn how to protect and defend herself and family. At 10 years old, Eia shared the sports helps her improve physically, and emotionally, and makes her active and happy.

“Before taekwondo, I am the shy type normal student in school. I love drawing, biking and playing outside with my sisters. Taekwondo helps me improve to get fit physically especially during this time of pandemic. Iloilo MVP gives me the support that I need as an athlete I want to be in the future,” she added.

Because of the threat of COVID-19, Eia makes sure she trains online every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and even do the same routine with her dad every Tuesday and Thursday.

“I love doing squats to strengthen my kicks. My dad inspired me to venture into sports because he was also an athlete during his days in Ateneo de Manila and San Beda but for basketball and football. I also idolized Pauleen Lopez who is also a taekwondo athlete representing the country in various tournaments,” Santos narrated.

For Eia’s dad, Ping, he said as parents, they make sure that Eia is always in shape physically, mentally and emotionally. Physically by making time to bring her to training, making sure that she has enough time not only for practice but also making friends.

“It’s not about having time, it’s about making time for her. Mentally by inspiring and feeding her words that can help her improve not only as an athlete but as a person. Emotionally instilling to her that taekwondo is not always about winning but it’s about learning and enjoying the process,” he shared.

Since its pandemic, there are things an athlete should consider especially in training and observing health protocols when doing trainings. For Eia, she said when training face to face, Coach Mark always remind them to wear mask, face shield and always use alcohol before and after training. They make sure that all athletes are always safe.

At a young age, Eia also delivered medals not just for Iloilo MVP but also for the country. In fact, she won gold medals in the Asian Open Taekwondo International, 17th Bonell Taekwondo Championship, Regional Interschool Taekwondo in Miagao, and the recent Dinagyang Invitational Championshi. She also took home the silver medal in the Regional Age group Championship in Antique.

When asked about her future in taekwondo, Eia said she wants to experience face to face sparring and competing in other places and countries. “I want to represent the Philippines someday.”

Given that she’s also an active student at Ateneo de Iloilo (AdI), Eia is also good in managing school and taekwondo. “I do my studies before I practice or train. I make sure to finish everything like homework tasks before I go to the gym or train in the house,” she added.

Eia also thanked her coaches for mentoring her and made her a champion. “I would like to give credit to Coaches Mark Pinggol, Diego Garcia, Mel Villarin, Janjan Gersanib and Mario Nepomuceno. Thank you coaches for believing in me that I can do it,” she added.

“Eia is one of the best and very determined and a hardworking MVP jin. She also possesses good character and excels both Poomsae and sparring. For me, she has alot of undiscovered talent pa that’s why I keep on pushing her always in our training. On the other hand, as her coach I see her sweet and caring not only to her teammates but also to us, her coaches. This year she is one of our candidates for Blackbelts and I’m confident that she can able to make it,” Pinggol explained.

The future rising star also lauded her parents who support her taekwondo all the way. My parents support me all the way, especially my dad who brings me to the gym every time I train, gives me words of encouragement during competitions and after training, helps me train and maintain my fighting form even this time of pandemic,” Eia shared.

She also gave message to those aspiring athletes to never get tired of doing what they love. Just believe in your dreams and work hard for it. It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose if you did your best. Train hard and results will follow. These are the things that my dad remind me every time,” Eia disclosed.IMT Sports