Congratulations to our Dubai-based kailiyan Franklin Kawaen for his karate world championship win. He joins the ranks of Julian Chees and company whose achievements in the field of martial arts have helped shape a positive image for Igorots around the world. Kudos to you Franklin and keep on kicking.
Here’s the report on Franklin by Harley Palangchao. Photo above is courtesy of k-1.ae; please note that it is taken from a different event and not from the world championship which is the subject of Harley’s article. Igorot karate teacher wins world championship By Harley F. Palangchao/Manila Times
The video shows Edward Folayang beating Carlos Baduria in their championship bout during the Universal Reality Combat Championship [URCC] held this month. ABS-CBN has a report on Folayang but the video is beyond bad so I decided not to upload it; still you can watch it here.
Warning: Some violence in the footage as may be expected in combat sports.
Now we have a picture of Diamond Gut-omen Baier courtesy of the Ted Regencia Reports. Diamond, according to a commenter in our previous post, is originally from Sabangan, Mt. Province. He won some bouts at Chicago Golden Gloves, you can see the results here, but he took up boxing relatively late so he didn’t turn professional.
I’m back from exile the second time. Hehe. Anyways, seems like Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight with David Diaz has a Cordillera angle to it. Here’s the story for those of you who haven’t read it yet?
Does anyone know this guy, Diamond Gut-oman Baier? Kuwento naman diyan.
Bontoc’s ‘diamond’ boxer trains Diaz vs Pacquiao Pasckie Pascua/Ted Regencia Philippine News via GMA
Nag-blog na tayo tungkol sa Palarong Pambansa eh di lubosin na natin. Here’s the top performers from the Cordillera Administrative Region during the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2008. Information taken from the horrendously user-unfriendly Palaro site.
Three cheers to Marie Felice Gallaga for breaking a national high jump record. Kasta man nga kailiyan. By the way, her name may actually be Marla Felice Ellaga because this is the name that’s listed at the Palaro website. Marie/Marla, according to some news reports, is from Baguio City.
Cordillera athlete breaks high jump record using improvised equipment ABS-CBN News
Despite training on improvised equipment, an athlete from the Cordillera region broke a six-year-old high jump record at the annual Palarong Pambansa, ABS-CBN Regional Network News reported Sunday.
Congrats to our kailiyans Jennifer Lagilag and Benjie Rivera for bagging medals during the 9th International Wushu Championships in China. Lagilag won a silver medal while Rivera got a bronze.
Congratulations to Jerry Lindawan of Tinoc, Ifugao for topping the Baguio leg of the 31st National Milo Marathon. We hope he goes on to win the 42 k grand final which is scheduled on 18 November in Manila.
As I write this, I am in recollection creek. There is grief in the air. Ambrose Sagalla is someone I knew very much. First, as one of my karate instructors and co-karateka under the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Second as my student (he took up MS Rural Development at Benguet State University) and I was his professor in Development Communication and Communication Strategies. And followingly, as a co-worker in community development (we shared the same belief that only when people are conscientisized would they be able to to rise from their apathy). Beyond all, I was a drinking buddy–we laughed to our hearts’ content at everyone’s joke and shared a wise word or two when discussions got serious or otherwise.
Ambrose Sagalla was first dan brown belt in karate under sensei Kunio Sasaki in 1975. It was when the first JKA world karate tournament was held in Baguio City. In the finals of the kumite (sparring) he emerged champion over 6 footer 3rd dan black belt Shien Huei of Taiwan. He became the first Igorot karate world champion, a feat not even the late Arsenio Bawingan Jr. ever attained. Ambrose was always humble in victory. He dedicated his winning to his instructors Sasaki, Bawingan, Cesar Pelingen, Chris Torcedo, and Jerry.
If you are looking for something to inspire you, this story of Noel Sumingwa dramatized in GMA-7’s Magpakailanman might be the answer. Noel is a gay Igorot karatista who ruled as the regional shotokan-karate champion from 1994-1998.
PART 1: Noel wins a gay beauty title and gets beaten by his dad.
PART 2: Noel tries out for his school’s martial arts team. He makes the team and gets to be his school’s “pambato”.
Congratulations to our Dubai-based kailiyan Franklin Kawaen for his karate world championship win. He joins the ranks of Julian Chees and company whose achievements in the field of martial arts have helped shape a positive image for Igorots around the world. Kudos to you Franklin and keep on kicking.
