CEBU, Philippines — The Philippines may not have defended its overall title but the Cebuano arnisadors managed to steal part of the show in the 15th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Championships last July 18-23 at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii.
This as Cebu Technological University (CTU) athletes Dexter Bolambao, Oswen Kenret Bautista and Mary Joyce Dabalos emerged as one of the winningest fighters in their respective divisions during the six-day tilt that drew the best and the brightest stick-fighters around the world.
Bolambao scooped a total of seven golds in double stick form, single stick sparring, double stick sparring, padded continuous sparring, padded point sparring, long stick sparring and team sparring. He also had two silvers to emerge as the most bemedalled athlete in the individual event.
Bautista carted away six golds from the single stick sparring, double stick sparring, padded point sparring, knife sparring, long stick sparring and team sparring, while Dabalos scooped five gilts in the single s tick forms, single stick sparring , double stick sparring, padded continuous sparring and padded point sparring.
Overall, the CTU bets hauled a total 21 golds, 12 silvers and six bronzes. Jeffrey Navarrete contributed two golds in single stick sparring and team sparring, while Cristhyl Mae Gumajin added one gold in the single stick form.
Even though he did not make it to paraside island of the United States due to visa problems, Phl Team and CTU arnis head coach Cesario Perez still expressed joy for the feat of his players.
"Im so happy and proud of my players for topping the individual event especially to Dexler Bolambao for defending his title," said Perez. "Their hardwork during trainings really paid off and now they are bringing a lot of gold for team CTU."