The 4th NCR Muay Thai Tournament was organized by MAP-Makati Chapter and was held on May 11, 2008 at Makati Sports Club. This has to be the grandest and longest NCR muay thai tournament ever. The venue has a superb location, the venue itself is very posh and the organizers has really prepared well for this event. Kudos to MAP Makati Chapter, especially its chapter head Kru Jun Dellosa for bringing the NCR tournament to a higher level. There were 29 matches and participated by men, women and yes, even kids. This is the first NCR tournament to have female and children matches. MAP QC bagged the Best Team trophy for having 7 wins, the second winningest team is MAP Antipolo with 6 and third is my own team, MAP Pasig Ultra with 5 wins.
Because this day is also mother’s day, I decided to visit my mother’s grave in Cavite together with my sister and her family. Even though I’ve trained for 2 months for this tournament. But family is more important than sports. Anyway, there’s the Philippine Olympic Festival this June.
The Battle Arena
Representatives of the MAP chapters who participated in the event. The large banner with a white background is the banner I brought to Singapore during the finals of Contender Asia and was signed by the finalist of the said show.
Who won? A picture is worth a thousand words. Jani Blanca (MAP Makati) jubilant after his victory over Jayson Basa (MAP-QC)
Cheska Tan (MAP-UAP) connecting a jab to her opponent.
It’s a KNOCKDOWN!!!
Children also participated in the event. Winona (in blue) of MAP Mandaluyong, going for her first fight against a competitor from MAP Muntinlupa
MAP President Robert Valdez (in Barong) and Ajarn Pudpadoy Omglin with the other officials of the tournament. Ajarn Pudpadnoy is the Thai coach of the Philippine team and is considered one of the top 3 muay thai fighters of all time. He is best known as Pudpadnoy Worawoot, his fight name.
Hey guys, you’re suppose to corner Eric, not pose for the camera.
Eric Aquino (MAP-Pasig Ultra) winning over Paul Mitsuko (MAP Makati). Eric is my favorite sparring partner as he is a very technical fighter.
Lyndon Dellosa (MAP Makati) doing the wai kru ceremony.
John Jamasalo (MAP Pasig Ultra) receiving a jab from Marlon of MAP QC. Marlon surprised some of the spectators because its just his first tournament and he won against John who has a 2-0 record prior to this tournament.
Angelo Romualdez (MAP Mandaluyong) doing the leg block against his opponent from MAP Ateneo
The man they call Pookyaw. Rey de Guzman posing after his 2nd round TKO over his MAP Antipolo opponent. Pookyaw always fight like an unleased pitbull. Never backing down even if he’s tagged with a punch or kick. His fight is also the most hilarious too.
Kru Zhie Vallega and the rest of the MAP QC contingent receiving the trophy for the over-all championship.
Me and Beck. My first time not to compete in the NCR muay thai tournament. And the feeling is surreal. There’s no pressure. I fully enjoyed the event and have taken exactly 261 photos. I’m preparing for a much bigger event, the Philippine Olympic Festival slated this June 25-29. Hope work or injury will not get in the way.
