In the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Thai-Philippines Diplomatic Relations, the Royal Embassy of Thailand, PTT and the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) organized The Battle of the Best in Luneta on June 14, 2009 at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Rizal Park, Manila.
There were 10 bouts participated by the best nak muays in the country. The crowd, including Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya and the Thai Minister of Culture Teera Slukpetch, were all pleased with the display of prowess by Filipino Athletes of this ancient but highly popular martial art from the Kingdom of Thailand.
2008 Philippine Olympic Festival Medalist Fernando Venus of MAP-Antipolo scored a stunning 2nd round knock out over veteran internationalist Clint Anawe of RP Muay Thai team when the former landed a vicous left roundhouse kick that landed on Clint’s liver area.
Romnick Pabalate, the 2008 Gold Medalist in Asian Muay Thai championship once again prevailed over this rematch against the 2008 World Amateur Muay Thai champion, Roland Claro.
Jay Malubay, one of the rising nak muays in the roster of RP Team won over Arjohn Balmes, 2008 Philippine Olympic Festival Medalist, from MAP-Paranaque
The 2007 SEA Games Silver Medalist Maricel Subang triumphed over her opponent from MAP-Dumaguete, Krisna Limbaga
Alvin Velasco of MAP-Baguio and POF medalist thwarted Ronnie Catampatan, RP Team from exacting revenge for the latter’s loss in their match last April. The Golden Boylet of Baguio triumphed over the Terminator from Pasig.
2007 and 2008 Philippine Olympic Festival Champion and RP Team Ryan Jakiri prevailed over his opponent, fellow RP Team member Benedict Alumno
One of the most exciting fight of the tournament. Zaidi Laruan, 2005 and 2007 SEA Games medalist overcame the 4-inch height advantage of Jay Harold Gregorio, Silver Medalist in the 2008 World Amateur Muay Thai championship, to get the nod of the judges and seal the victory.
May Libao, a silver medalist in the 2007 SEA Games easily won her match against Jennylyn Sevillano in the 2nd round, via Outclass.
The rematch between two international medalists, Eugene Toquero and Tyrone Naticho is perhaps the closest match of the afternoon. But Eugene Toquero won enough points to fashion out a close victory over his opponent.
2007 SEA Games silver medalist Anna Marie Rey won over her opponent, Precious Ocaya by retirement when the corner of the latter literally threw in the towel as Ms. Ocaya could not continue the match.
June 16, 2009 at 7:37 pm |
One of the coolest pics in caught in action. I like the pics on Zaide!
Oi has he improved taking on Jay! I thought Jay was a formidable opponent if ever he fights Zaidi. I am sure there will be a rematch.
It must be hard on Clint losing twice already to knockouts in the last two fights he had and that goes to Ronnie too losing twice to Alvin.
Jakiri has powerful round kicks as we saw last April. But a former MAP Phil-Team friend of mine, who fought him said that Jakiri’s round kick can be countered by intercepting through moving forward with a straight punch. As Jakiri’s does not have a good guard when executing his round kicks.
Romnick has really really improved a lot to take on Ronald Claro.
Will there be any events the Phil Team will be participating in sporting events abroad this coming months? When is the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Competition?
What did the Thais say about the Pinoy’s ability in Muay?
Is….there….a….VIDEO? Woot!
June 22, 2009 at 4:27 pm |
Yup, the videos are already uploaded in Youtube, courtesy of Sir Vic Benedicto.
Here are the links:
Jay Malubay vs Arjohn Balmes
Eugene Toquero vs Tyrone Naticho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sowRtnm2miI
Anna Marie Rey wins vs Precious Ocaya
Romnick Pabalate vs. Roland Claro
the next tournament will be this August, the Asian Martial Arts Games or the AMAG (no kidding about the acronym. he he he) in Bangkok.
June 25, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Aaaaahhhh! Thank you Sir Vic Benedicto! More fights of Pinoy nak muays. The exposure is great that Muay is very much alive in the Philippines.
Does Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and China have Muay national teams of their own that compete against us?
June 16, 2009 at 7:42 pm |
Forgot to ask. Where is Jake Olod?
June 22, 2009 at 4:28 pm |
I think he’s in Baguio.
June 25, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Is he in training or vacationing?
June 30, 2009 at 8:16 pm |
Me too. He is still young and has potential and with more training, I know he could surpass his current abilities and evolved into a better fighter. I was hoping to see him and Zaide battle it out in the future.
I’m just speculating that it might be major family concerns.
If he ever changes his mind, will MAP take him back or will he go through a selection process again?
July 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm |
Well, it depends on a lot of things. The important thing is he maintain a good relationship with MAP. Jay is smaller than Zaidi, so I think its not possible for them to fight in a match. And they are best of friends.
July 5, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Well I hope Jay the best of everything. But I know for sure that the Muay bug will always remind him of Muay. He will never forget Muay.
June 27, 2009 at 1:22 pm |
Jay has unfortunately resigned from the team. I think he wants to pursue his studies.
June 27, 2009 at 1:24 pm |
Yes they do. Some will see action this coming SEA Games in Vientiane
June 28, 2009 at 9:34 pm |
Well that’s good to hear that at least he is pursuing something positive.
I’ve met a lot of very good Cordilleran martial artists through the years and most are living normally as tailors, carinderia helpers, etc. and most fall along the way as they follow and pursue their vices. But I am glad that Jay is doing something positive.
I hope he comes to study in La Union!
What a bonus that would be if he was to be a coach of the wards here and he gets to compete locally! Hehehe!
June 29, 2009 at 7:33 pm |
I’m happy for Jay too. Its just that I think its too early in his “fighting career” and we are working on scholarships for him. But, people’s mind change and I sincerely wish him good luck. He’s a very close friend of Beck because they trained together at Kaewsamrit for a month.