Cebuano jins reap honors in Palanca tikefest

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuano jins started the year on the right footing after they scooped medals not only in their favorite poomsae event, but also in the kyorugi or sparring competition of the Carlos Palanca Jr. Taekwondo Championships the other day at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Cebuanos swept all golds at stake in the cadet class meant for athletes 12 to 14 years old as well as in the juniors division (15-17 age group).

University of San Carlos' Maegan Bugarin clinched gold medal in the women's junior division, while her teammate Nichole Maurin got the bronze. Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu's MacAvyngyr Alob also snared the gold in the men's bracket.

In the cadet action, Aida Laxa ruled the girls battle, while Clement Tan dominated the boys'side.

Aside from that, playing coach Glenn Lava also snatched silver in the senior 2 class.

The Cebuano bets also claimed several bronzes courtesy of  Matthew Bugarin, Cheyena dela Fuente, Kobe Hyarana and Robiegayle Navales.

In the sparring event, Team Cebu grabbed one gold, two silvers and three bronzes.

Vernica Garces bagged the lone gold for Cebu through the finweight division.

The silvers were handed over by Shairmaine Albaracin in category 2 and Wendil Jay Rama in category 3, while the bronzes came from Carmela Coran, Melody Jane Infante and James Louie Callino.

With their impressive performances, the Cebuanos are again gaining grounds to make it to the national team.

Garces, for one, is due for evaluation by the national coaching staff. She is a prospect for the Asian Junior Championship in Taiwan next month.

The local poomsae artists, on the other hand, are being eyed for the Asian Poomsae Championships in Uzbekistan and hopefully for the World Championships in Mexico later this year.

Philippine Taekwondo Association regional chairman Tony del Prado has credited playing coach Glenn Lava for all his hardwork and dedication in molding world-class talents.

"We would never have reach this far had it not been for his dedication and passion," said Del Prado. (FREEMAN)