2009 Philippine Muay Thai National Champions Saturday, Oct 3 2009

Still reeling from the aftershocks brought by Typhoon Ondoy and with another threat of a Super Typhoon Pepeng looming on the horizon, I didn’t have the opportunity to post the results of the 2009 Muay Thai National Championships which was held last Sept 28 and 29 at the Sta. Lucia Grand Mall earlier.  The event itself was in danger of being cancelled because the venue was affected by the floods brought by Typhoon Ondoy.  Fortunately, the waters quickly subsided and the athletes from the provinces made it safely to Manila to participate in the National Championship this year.   As expected, the RP team dominated the competition and took home 10 out of 12 Gold Medals up for grabs.

Here are the medalists of the 2009 Philippine Muay Thai Championships:

42-45 kgs. Men’s

Jessie Bitaga (Baguio City)-Gold Medal

Mark Anthony Gecalao (Lipa City)-Silver Medal

42-45 kgs. Women’s

May Libao (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Jocelyn Bauyan (Misamis Oriental)-Silver Medal

45-48 kgs. Men’s

Roland Claro (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Johnny Blanca (Makati City)-Silver Medal

45-48 kgs Women’s

Maricel Subang (RP Team)-Golds

Janelyn Sevilleno (Misamis Oriental)

45-51 kgs. Men’s

Danilo Dilag (Quezon City)-Gold Medal

Ronnie Catampatan (RP Team)- Silver Medal

48-51 kgs Women’s

Preciosa Ocaya (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Ana Joy Olores (Las Pinas City)-Silver Medal

51-54 kgs Men’s

Benedicto Alumno (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Eugene Toquero (RP Team)- Silver Medal

51-54 kgs Women’s

Ana Marie Rey (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Violeta Lagawad (Baguio City)- Silver Medal

54-57 kgs Men’s

Ryan Jakiri (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Tyrone Naticho (RP Team)- Silver Medal

57-60 kgs Men’s

Zaidi Laruan (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Jay Leomar Malubay (RP Team)- Silver Medal

60-63.4 Kgs Men’s

Jonathan Polosan (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Jasper Lim (Zamboanga City)- Silver Medal

63.5-67 kgs Men’s

Jay Harold Gregorio (RP Team)- Gold Medal

Charles Saavedra (Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat)- Silver Medal

Best Female Fighters of the Tournament:

Ana Marie Rey and Maricel Subang-both members of the Philippine National Team

Best Male Fighter of the Tournament:

Zaidi Laruan

The 2009 Philippine Muay Thai National Championship wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of PTT and its president, Khun Siripong Phoungpaka.    From left to right:  Paul Senador-PTT HR Manager, unfortunately I wasn’t able to get the name of this beauty from PTT,  Red Dumuk-MAP OIC and Sec. Gen., Khun Siripong Phoungpaka-PTT Phils President and Ajarn Pudpadnoy Omglin

The RP Muay Thai Team

Beck with her close buddy Zaidi Laruan.  They’re joined with Dindo Camansa, a never say die fighter from Tacurong City.

Representatives from Misamis Oriental

The contingent from Zamboanga City, headed by Kru Arnold Palpalatoc.  Kru Arnold is one of the best coaches that the RP team ever had.  I missed training with him.  But the RP team’s loss is Zamboanga City’s gain

I’ll be posting the fight pics later.

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RP’s Orange Belt Promotion Wednesday, Sep 23 2009

RP’s favorite Sensei, Rex Resureccion thinks that RP is ready to go a notch higher in her karate and advised her to take a belting exam.   Joining her in the examination are three other karate kids two adults who are all yellow belts in karate and are gunning for their orange belts.

The belting exam composed of kata, bunkai  and memorization of japanese karate terms. At the end of the examination, AAK Megamall have 4 new orange belters.

A6-year old karateka displaying a good form of the straight punch.

Preparing for the execution of the bunkai or the application of the kata.

Karatekids all, the 4 new orange belters.  Hope they will carry on their sport and represent the country in international competitions.

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Media Kickboxing Challenge 3 Sunday, Aug 2 2009

The Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas, the NSA for the sport of amateur kickboxing in the Philippines recently held Media Kickboxing Challenge 3,  An amateur kickboxing competition open to kickboxers/martial arts practitioners from the members of the media.  This event was supported by the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines, PCSO, PAGCOR and the international governing body for kickboxing, World Association of Kickboxing Organizations.

The main activity area of Metrowalk Pasig, is supposed to be the venue of this event.  But due to strong rains (it was an open air area), the organizers decided to transfer the venue to the Central Gym of MAP.

The following are  line-up of competitors  in the Media Kickboxing Challenge 3

1.  Micheal Dichoso vs. Ramon Camba (Winner via Decision)

2.  Ricky Poliran vs. Joel Lorenzana (Winner via Decision)

3. Harold Orara (Winner via Decision) vs. Jun Mestica

4.  Edward Paitan (Winner via Decision) vs. Melvin Roldan

5.  Rolando Pascua (Winner via Referree Stoppage) vs. Angelo Almonte

In  my opinion, the best fighter in that evening is Edward Palitan who displayed well executed and well timed techniques.   Rolando Pascua, a former WBC World Boxing Champion also participated in this event and won via referee stoppage over a Kyokushinkai Karate Master, Angelo Almonte

Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas is sanctioned by WAKO, the International Sports Governing body for kickboxing.

Me with former WBC World Champion, Rolando Pascua.   He was surprised when I asked to have a picture taken with him.  I remember watching on TV his two greatest fights when I was in 4th year high school,  it’s an honor to meet him

Kru Billy and Ajarn Pudpadnoy served as the judges and jury of the competition.

The set up of the ring and the competition.

In the heat of the fight, this competitor didn’t noticed that he ripped his shorts when he did a high roundhouse kick earlier.

A well executed Superman punch by Edward Paitan.

The two protagonists in the main event.   Angelo Almonte (wearing blue gloves), a 55 year old Kyokushin Karate master will face former world boxing champion, Rolando Pascua (in the background)

The old champ still has the moves.  Rolando Pascua winning by Referee Stoppage.

And of course, the mandatory pose of the RP muay thai team with the ring girls

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9th NCR Muay Thai Tournament-Mayor Jejomar Binay Cup Friday, Jul 24 2009

As stated in my previous article,  July 18 and 19 is an action packed weekend.   The day after the successful URCC IV(held in July 18),  muay thai fans are treated to a spectacular display of muay thai skills in the 9th NCR Muay Thai Tournament- The Mayor Jejomar Binay Cup.

MAP Makati chapter, under the able leadership of Kru Jun Dellosa staged the said event at the Makati Sports Club in Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati City.   This tournament served as both the selection tournament of fighters who have earned the honor of representing NCR in the National Muay Thai Championship to be held in September and the regular every-two-months tournament organized by the association of MAP-NCR chapters.

MAP-Makati Chapter was able to get the support of the Mayor Jejomar Binay and have ensured that this tournament will be another success.

There’s a total of 22 matches with MAP Las Pinas Chapter, headed by Kru Dante Silvestre bringing home the Over-All Championship Trophy.   A new award was introduced in this competition, the Best Coach award and was unanimously given by the judges and jury to Kru Onyok Trasmonte of MAP-Makati.

Results of the 9th NCR Muay Thai Tournament/NCR Selection

1. Jenefer Eborde (QC) vs. Carleans Rivas (Caloocan) Winner
2. Janito Blanca (Makati) Winner vs. Jayson Basa (QC)
3. Jun Rey Granaderos (LP) vs. Danilo Dilag (QC) Winner
4. Jeremias Visa (LP) vs. Rodolfo Magala (Makati) Winner
5. Josue Rivera (Muntinlupa) Winner vs. Mel Joshua Donggod (Par)
6. Rhoda Mae Jimenez (Muntinlupa) vs. Apple Hernandez (LP) Winner
7. Magnolia Hernandez (Muntinlupa) vs. Patricia Aguilar (LP) Winner
8. Niarth Dan Dela Pena (LP) Winner vs. Ranil Sumanlinog (Caloocan)
9. Robert Reyes (Ateneo) vs. Jamael Macute (Makati) Winner
10. Leo Rico (Muntinlupa) vs. Redhen Precilla (LP) Winner
11. Ria Habana (Pasig) Winner vs. Yeelyn Garcia (QC)
12. Christian Barredo (LP) vs. Juan Rase (Muntinlupa) Winner
13. Gibson Ramos (Caloocan) vs. Kevin Lutestica (Makati) Winner
14. Jacinto Rivera (Makati) Winner vs. Kim dichoso (Par)
15. Cristian Pardinas (Cal) Winner vs. Gan Ganhinhin (QC)
16. Ronald Cruz (Ateneo) vs. Eric Aquino (Pasig) Winner
17. John Micheal Bunag (Makati) vs. Ian Pangalinan (Antipolo) Winner
18. Ronnel Luna (Pasig) vs. Stephen Salazar (Makati) Winner
19. Juan Lim (Ateneo) Winner vs. Rosenberg Rosete 9Makati)
20. Warren Beato (Par) vs. Juan Carlo Noveloso (LP) Winner
21. Nino Banatao (Antipolo) Winner vs. Andrew Kagaoan (Ateneo
22. Francisco Ricaforte (Pasig) vs. Patrick Javier (Ateneo) Winner

The tournament banner of the 9th NCR Muay Thai Tournament-Mayor Jejomar Binay’s Cup

The medals up for grabs and will be awarded to the winners of the selection for the nakmuays who will represent NCR in the National Muay Thai Championship this September

A very stylish and grand decoration of the venue.    MAP Makati has elevated the NCR muay thai competition to a higher stage.

Beck made her debut as judge in muay thai.  She has another goal in mind, to be an certified international muay thai judge and referee.  From a nakmuay, to kru, now to officiating team…while I remained as a humble nakmuay. He he he.

MAP Makati Chapter Head Kru Jun Dellosa giving his opening speech

The members of the judges and juries.  On the far right are the individual and Overall Championship trophies that awaits the winners of their matches.

Another view of the venue design and the ring.   These grand arrangements are only seen in professional boxing or MMA matches that are held in exclusive hotels.

Former Muay Thai national training pool member Danilo Dilag of MAP-QC is jubilant after taking the victory for a gold medal win.

Rodolfo Magala of MAP Makati and MAP Las Pinas’ Jeremias Visa touching gloves at the start of their bout.

The Honorable Mayor Jejomar Binay graced the event.  In his speech, he was surprised to find out that muay thai is already a popular sport and is pleased that this is already the second time that such a tournament was held in his city and has pledged his continous support for muay thai.

The Honorable Mayor J. Binay leading the awarding ceremony to the winners of their respective matches.

From left to right:  MAP President Mr. Red Dumuk, MAP-Chairperson on Committee on Women in Sports and coach Beck Cantillero, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, MAP-Chairperson on Grassroots Development and National Team Head Coach Kru Billy Alumno and MAP Makati Chapter Head Kru Jun Dellosa

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URCC XIV Aggression Wednesday, Jul 22 2009

July 18 and 19 is a fight-filled, action packed weekend.     Last July 18, the premier Mixed Martial Art event in the Philippines,  staged its 14th installment, dubbed,  URCC IVAggression.   This was held at the A. Venue Events center at Makati Avenue, Makati City.   There’s a total of 10 matches with 2 titles on the line, with 2 main events and one superfight.

Hybrid Yawyan’s Vicente Pajaro successfully defended his URCC Heavyweight title against Elorda MMA’s Panchito Estrada, winning via Armbar.  In the co-main event, Caloy Baduria pounded Cuban Remand Lazaro into submission.   Unarguably, the best fight of the evening is the main event, the Superfight between the reigning and undefeated URCC Welterweight Champion, Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang against Guam’s AJ Aguon.  The Pinoy MMA hero maintained his winning streak as he eked out a Unanimous decision win over the invader from Guam.

The following are the results of URCC XIV Aggression:

Match  Winner                                          Loser                    Result

1           Jet Lumawag                             Joel Taon              Ref  Stoppage

2.         Charles De Tomas                     Franz Altarejos      Ref Stoppage

3.         Erwin Focad                               Lando Espinosa      Ref Stoppage

4.         Badong Domasian                    Richie Redman        Tap out

5.         Eric Kelly                                     Robert Buminaand      Submission

6.         Reggie Amarante                      Raymond Carlos          Ref Stoppage

7.        Mike Natividad                          Ruben Sumido              Tap out

8.        Vicente Pajaro                           Panchito Estrada         Submission

9.        Caloy Baduria                             Remand Lazaro            Submission

10.      Eduard Folayang                       AJ Aguon                       Unanimous Decision

Beck and I were extremely excited over this event as we personally know 4 competitors, Charles De Tomas, a former member of the training pool for the Philippine Muay Team, Eric Kelly, my former fellow Yaw-Yan Ardigma gymmate, Ruben Sumido, former member of the RP Muay Thai team and lone gold medalist from the Philippines in the 2007 Asian Indoor Games and of course, the URCC Welterweight Champion, Eduard Folayang.

In the previous URCC, Beck and I were just shrieking fans supporting the fast rising MMA star, Eduard Folayang.  But it is indeed a very, very small world and last summer,  we didn’t know that we have a very, close common friend, Pastor/Kuya Eric Ortega and we were introduced formally.  Now, Eduard would send us text messages from time to time.   In this URCC, Beck and I are now one of the friends of a very down to Earth, unassuming, and most importantly, God-fearing MMA athlete.    Congrats, Eduard for retaining your title!

Note:  My persistent problem in photography is taking action pictures inside with dim lights.  The photos are taken are very, very awful, to say the least and none of them are worth of being posted here, except for those pictures with Eduard Folayang, because…these are not action photos. He he he

The ring girls sashayed on the ramp on their way to the ring.

The URCC Heavyweight Champion, Vicente Pajaro retaining his crown.

AJ Aguon on his way to the ring

Will somebody give me one of these t-shirts?

In the last few minutes of the 2nd round, Eduard Folayang suffered a cut on his eye brow due to an accidental head butt.     Despite the cut and being bloodied, The Landslide still fought bravely to secure a unanimous decision victory.

A very buffed Eduard Folayang.  Damn, I wish I have those pectorals and abs.

Beck posing with Eduard Folayang and the rest of the Lakay Wushu Team

The two pictures below are for our common friend, Pastor/Kuya Eric Ortega.    The four of us, Me, Beck, Eduard and Jay all look up to Kuya Eric and regard him as a very close Christian brother.  Pastor Eric is one of our wedding Godfather, while Jay San Pedro, Eduard’s manager will be married soon and Pastor Eric will solmenize the ceremony.

Eduard and his manager, Jay San Pedro

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Olympic Fun Run Monday, Jun 29 2009

The Philippine Olympic Committee with the support of Milo organized the Olympic Fun Run on June 21 at the Quirino Grand Stand in Manila.   This event was participated by the various National Sports Associations (NSA) who are members of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The highlight of the program is the 10k run and the 3k Fun Run and was joined by the Philippine Team of various sports, Manila’s Finest-members of the Western Police District and employees of various Government offices.  The Philippine Muay Thai team took part in this event and run in the 3K distance.

Of course, the obligatory fighting pose by the RP muay thai team.

This is the first time RP joined a race and was proud and happy to do it together with her friends.

At front wearing bib number 1423 is the indefatigable Vice President of Muay Association of the Philippines Andy Galvez and one of the pillars of Philippine sports, MAP President Red Dumuk (wearing big number 1411)

The Philippine Tae Kwondo Demonstration Team wowed the audience with their high flying, board breaking kicks.  (Tae Kwon Do used to be my favorite sport)

The Philippine Wushu team displayed their medal winning forms.

The Philippine Karate Team made a kata and bunkai demonstration.

The MAP contingent posing under the Finish Line.    Everybody’s posing at the camera…except for Jasper and Ajarn Pudpadnoy.    What caught their attention?  What are they looking at?…..

…Now I got the answer.  The National Champion of cheerdancing, the University of Perpetual Help cheer squad also performed, much to the delight of the crowd…especially Ajarn.  He he he

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Battle of the Best In Luneta-2nd Batch of Photos Monday, Jun 22 2009

Below are the 2nd Batch of Photos in the recently concluded Battle of the Best in Luneta

The dressing room area where the fighters are having a light moment clowning in front of the cam.

The tent at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Rizal Park is jam full of spectators waiting for a good show of muay thai skills.

In the middle is the Minister of Culture of Thailand, Hon. Teera Slukpetch and on his right is the Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, Hon. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhya.

Adversaries in the ring, but outside the battle arena, the RP team are close friends.    Here, Zaidi Laruan and Jay Harold Gregorio recuperating in the medic area after their fight, while Jonathan Polosan and Toby Reyes are goofing off on the cam.

The judges and jury of the event.

PTT President Khun Siripong Phoungphaka, the ever generous supporter of Muay Association of the Philippines.    Here, he’s giving away the cash prizes of the winners of the tournament.    MAP is very thankful for all of the support Khun Phoungphaka and and his company, PTT, has given.

The RP team all requested me to post their photos with Krista Valle, a TV celebrity and niece of MAP Chairman, Robin Padilla.

Jay Malubay and Krista Valle

Jay Harold Gregorio with Krista Valle

Jay Harold Gregorio, Ronnie Catampatan and Zaidi Laruan with Krista Valle

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Battle of the Best in Luneta-1st Batch of Photos Tuesday, Jun 16 2009

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.

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Battle of the Best-June 14, 2009 Wednesday, Jun 10 2009

On the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Philippine-Thailand Diplomatic Relations, the Royal Embassy of Thailand brings you:

Battle of the Best-Muay Association of the Philippines

This event will feature matches between the RP Muay Thai team plus the gold medalists of the Philippine Olympic Festival.

This will be on June 14, 2009, 11:00a.m. Rizal Park (just across the Rizal Monument), Manila.

One of the anticipated fight is the rematch between Roland Claro (2 time World Amateur muay thai champ) and Romnick Pabalate (Asian Muay Thai Championship, Gold Medalist).

This event is open to the public.

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AAK Summer Sports Clinic Graduation Friday, Jun 5 2009

The premier Karatedo organization in the Philippines, AAK or the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo held its 2009 General Practice and Milo Summer Sports Clinic Graduation last May 31 at the Main Activity area of the SM Mall of Asia.

My daughter, RP made the jump from being the muay thai panda to being the karate panda (she attended the Milo Summer Sports clinic for muay thai last year) and participated in this event.  If RP does good and becomes a colored belt or a blackbelt in this martial art and hopefully be able to compete in an international tournament, my life will do a full circle because its my father who introduced me to karate when I was still a child and practiced this sport (including judo and tae kwon do) until I graduated in college.   Though admittedly, I leaned more into TKD and became member of my university’s varsity team.

The instructors and blackbelts of the AAK, led by its founder Pocholo Veguillas Shihan, front row wearing sunglasses.

Students from various AAK chapters participated in this annual event.   The main activity area looked like a sea of white clothes from an advertisement of a laundry detergent.

RP, second from right, practicing the inward block with her fellow AAK whitebelts.

Rebecca Cyril Torres, a consistent international medalist, is one of RP’s favorite instructors.  Here, she leads RP and other white belts practicing their kata.    RP, sort of idolizes her not only because they share the same first name but also  Ms. Torres is an international karate champion at the age of 12.

Part of the program are demonstrations done by colored belters from different AAK Chapters.

Here, two karate practitioners are doing a bunkai or a demonstration of the application of a kata.   Kata is like shadow boxing for muay thai.  In shadow boxing, you do practice techniques while visualizing an opponent.  A karateka does the same thing with kata, though with kata, the movement and techniques are set.  Whereas in shadow boxing, the movement and techniques are up to the nak muay.

AAK female blackbelts gave a demonstration of women’s self defense to the delight of the crowd.

RP’s favorite instructor, Sensei Rex Resureccion.   Initially, RP abhorred karate and even told her sensei that she preferred muay thai (I think she got her guts…or her tactlessness from me.  But hey, I’ve mellowed down).  Now, she said she favor karatedo from muay thai.  Thanks, to her Sensei Rex, which she has a nickname, Sensei T-Rex.

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