Yape doubles medal haul for Philippine taekwondo

Candelaria and Yape via POC/PSC Media

One more medal for poomsae.

Jeus Yape captured the bronze medal in the men’s individual poomsae competition Thursday at Toyohashi Gymnasium, adding another medal to the Philippines’ haul in the event.

Just hours after Juliana Candelaria claimed silver in the women’s individual event, Yape delivered a score of 9.0900 to secure third place.

“I’m happy po with my performance. Ginawa ko po ‘yung best ko, ginawa ko po lahat ng makakaya ko,” Yape said in an interview with One Sports.

South Korea’s Yun Kyusung topped the field with a score of 9.3800, while Thailand’s Navin Pinthasute took silver with 9.2800.

Coach Jeordan Domingez credited Yape for overcoming the pressure that comes with competing on the Asian stage.

“I’m so happy for him. I know the feeling because we also competed in this competition before, and I’m very happy and proud of Jeus, together with Mika, because they conquered that fear [of pressure],” Domingez said.

Yape, meanwhile, vowed to build on his performance as he looks ahead to his upcoming competitions.

“Right now I’m happy sa journey ko po, and I’ll just keep moving forward,” he said.

Yape will switch to VR mode as he sees action in virtual taekwondo round of 16 on Friday, 10am (Manila time).

Taekwondo, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, now has two medals courtesy of poomsae.

Candelaria secures silver in Asiad poomsae

Making her Asian Games debut at 18 years old, Juliana Candelaria delivered a silver-medal performance in the women’s individual poomsae competition Thursday at the Toyohashi Gymnasium.

Candelaria scored 9.1300 in the gold-medal contest to finish second behind South Korea’s Jung Haeun, who took the gold with 9.3100. Thailand’s Thitaree Kaewolanwasu claimed the bronze with 9.0400.

She earned a 9.200 score in her recognized poomsae routine before posting 9.060 in the freestyle round.

“Amazing. I feel great about everything,” Candelaria told One Sports. “It’s such an amazing achievement for me. It’s my first Asian Games.”

“Super duper thankful to everyone. My family, my coaches, my teammates,” she added.

Coach Rani Ortega credited the team’s collective effort for Candelaria’s podium finish, which gave the Philippines its fifth silver medal of the Asian Games.

Candelaria joins Jean Claude Saclag (MMA), Marie June Adriano (karate), the Philippine women’s sepak takraw team, and Amaya Amparo Cojuangco (archery) as the country’s other silver medalists.

“Ang mati-take ko [na lesson] here is live in the moment, kasi what I did in this competition is to enjoy and just be grateful for everything,” Candelaria said.

“Hard work really pays off, with the trust and teamwork of all of us, kaya talaga. Kaya,” Ortega adds.

Mangin powers into women's bantamweight gold medal match in UAAP Taekwondo

c/o UAAP

Tachiana Mangin showcased her pedigree and led the charge in kicking off the University of Santo Tomas’ redemption bid in style, advancing to the gold medal match of the women’s bantamweight (under-58 kg) division in the UAAP Season 88 Taekwondo Championships on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.

The 2024 World Junior champion in the under-49 kg division dominated her two opponents in her UAAP debut, dispatching University of the Philippines’ Messiah Cruz, 2–0 (12–4, 10–2), in the quarterfinals before stamping her authority with another 2–0 romp over Far Eastern University’s Khira Duldulao, 21–3, 19–1, in the semifinals.

"Siyempre, masaya po na nakalaro na ako kasi before nung kakapasok ko pa lang po sa UST, pinapanood ko lang po 'yung mga seniors ko mag-compete. And isa rin sa mga nag-motivate sa 'kin is 'yung seniors ko po," said the rookie standout.

"I think lahat naman po kami naapektuhan sa bagong format, kaya equal footing naman po. Kaya after rin naman po ng UAAP last season, nag-adjust po agad kami at ginamit po naming advantage 'yung matagal na off-season para bumalik sa basic," Mangin added.

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold medalist will take on National University’s RJ Rae Arquion, who defeated Ateneo de Manila University’s Kenshin Rain Bonos, in the finals on Friday.

K-Ann Shane Gibaga joined Mangin in the Lady Jins’ quest for a bounce-back championship, pulling off a win by superiority in the sudden-death round of the finweight (under-46 kg) semifinal against NU’s Caitlyn Carlos.

Gibaga will face De La Salle University’s Jade Irish Papa, who defeated UP’s Shania Azarcon in straight rounds in the semifinals, for the gold medal.

The reigning champions, the NU Lady Bulldogs, also booked two tickets to Friday’s finals. Aside from Arquion, Rajany Santos clinched a spot in the flyweight (under-49 kg) gold medal match against UP’s Mikaela Sese.

Santos and Sese each needed just two rounds to secure their respective semifinal victories, defeating UP’s Yuhana Pardinez and Ateneo’s Sheean Dumat-ol.

On the men’s side, former champions NU set their own redemption campaign in motion, sending three jins to the finals: Kent John Banzon in the featherweight (under-68 kg), Carl Louie Ayaton in the welterweight (under-80 kg), and Cyvir Junio in the middle/heavyweight (over-80 kg).

Banzon defeated Ateneo’s Gabrielle Samson in the semifinals to arrange a finals showdown with UP’s Alexander Ogoy, who mounted a comeback against UST’s Aron Jay Bangayan in their own Final Four clash.

The two other finals featuring NU jins will both be against UST Tiger Jins.

Ayaton, who outlasted La Salle’s Nicolas Castillo, will face Michael Cadampog, who scored a come-from-behind win over UP’s Russel Villanueva. Meanwhile, Junio, who beat La Salle’s Marcus Delos Santos, will rekindle his rivalry with UST veteran Israel Cantos.

The final in the remaining weight class contested on Tuesday will feature La Salle’s Einz Alicayon against Ateneo’s Carl Williams.

Alicayon edged UP’s Arwyn Wagtingan in the semifinals, 2–1, while Williams pulled off a stunner against UST’s John Kim Pasion.

Similarly, it will be an all-NU-UST affair in the gold medal matches for the first three weight categories in the High School Girls’ division.

NU’s Keira Gonzales and UST’s Mitch Enriquez will clash for the under-44 kg gold. Rian Ramos of NU Nazareth School and UST’s Shay Cadilena will battle for the under-49 kg title, while NUNS’ Alyssa Garces and UST’s Ryzza Cadilena will contest the under-46 kg crown.

UST successfully retains UAAP poomsae crown

c/o UAAP

The University of Santo Tomas banked on its strong showings in the team events and mixed pair to annex a second consecutive title in the UAAP Season 87 Poomsae Championships on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Reasserting their status as the most successful program, the Tiger Jins won three golds, one more than their haul last season for a record sixth crown.

"I don’t want to say that it’s difficult but it’s a good kind of challenge because of every is getting better every year. The intensity and skill gets higher and higher," said UST head coach Rani Ortega.

"And it’s a healthy competition because everyone here knows each other. Some of them are even teammates in the national team. Us coaches, we are really close. This competition shows the beauty and grace of poomsae and how we can transform it into something nice for the audience."

NU opened the competition by winning the individual golds courtesy of Antonette Medallada (women) and Ian Corton (men).

UST then later turned the tide when the mixed pair of Paul Rodriguez and Chelsea Tacay won, and swept the team golds courtesy of Tacay, Maria Nicole Labayne, and Stella Nicole Yape (women) and Rodriguez, King Nash Alcario, and Dane Subaste (men).

Even with the departure of Vincent Rodriguez, who paired with Tacay in last season's successful mixed pair bid, Aidaine Laxa and Kobe Macario, the Tiger Jins remain the gold standard in poomsae.

Tacay and Rodriguez logged 8.910 points to beat the Bulldogs' Ceanne Rosquillo and Season 85 MVP Laeia Soria (8.770). UP's Joshua Cachero and Alyssa Caabay complete the podium finishers in mixed pair with 8.720.

Tacay, Labayne, and Yape recorded 8.950 points, besting NU's Soria, Sophia Estelloso and Antonette Medallada (8.680), and De La Salle's Sofia Sarmiento, Khia Mae Cortez and Sofia Ignacio (8.670) for UST's second gold.

Tacay, who was named the Most Valuable Player for the second straight season shared, "Same pa din yung mga training namin from last year but the eagerness this year to get the championship again… We focused more on the mental because may pressure because we haven’t gotten the back-to-back for UST.

"Mas na-hone yung leadership ko from the last year. This year as a senior and as a captain, mas nag-focus ako kung paano ko aangat yung team ko," added the 23-year-old native of Baguio City.

With the gold medal count knotted at 2-all, Ortega made sure to remind her Tigers to enjoy the moment.

"I told everyone in the finals to reset, start again. Think that you are not doing this for yourself, you are doing for UST. It’s for a higher calling so that they won’t feel alone on the mat and that everybody is here for them," Ortega shared.

"I’m happy with how they performed and I’m so proud of them."

The Tiger Jins then clinched the title with a scintillating performance from the trio of Alcario, Rodriguez and Subaste, who logged 9.210 to fend off the Bulldogs' Corton, Rosquillo, and Juan Marco Medallada (9.030) and the Green Jins' Nathanael Managbanag, Carl Villorda and Jesseyrey Frantilla (8.780).

With 8.970 points, Antonette Medallada emerged triumphant over UST's Labayne (8.870) and De La Salle's Sarmiento (8.660), and NU completed a sweep of individual golds after Corton turned in 9.030 points to prevail over UST's Alcario (8.830) and De La Salle's Managbanag (8.740).

It was a big improvement for the Bulldogs, the Season 85 winners who placed third with a 1-1-3 tally last year.

The Green Jins, who lost Patrick Perez to graduation, bagged four bronzes to reach the podium for the second straight year.

UST's Rodriguez was adjudged the Rookie of the Year.

The Fighting Maroons placed fourth.

Ateneo, which had a finalist in the individual women event, and Far Eastern University, round out the six-team field.

La Salle sweep to end nine-year title drought in taekwondo

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Taekwondo Standings

Men

DLSU 5-0

NU 3-1

UST 2-1

UP 2-3

Ateneo 0-3

FEU 0-4

Women

UST 4-0

NU 3-0

DLSU 3-2

Ateneo 2-3

UP 0-3

FEU 0-4

Juniors

UST 3-0

NUNS 3-0

DLSZ 1-2

FEU-D 1-2

Ateneo 0-4

DE LA SALLE toppled defending men's champion National University and traditional powerhouse University of Santo Tomas to complete a 5-0 sweep in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate taekwondo tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Wednesday.

In what could be the turning point of the season, the Green Jins dealt the Bulldogs their first loss with a 4-3 victory and returned later with a 6-1 conquest of the Tiger Jins.

Johnson Lloyd Rosario, Rommel Ulat, Andre Gacilos and Einz Aricayos won their respective bouts against NU for De La Salle to hurdle its biggest test of the season.

Sandwiched by the Green Jins' wins over NU and UST was a 4-3 victory over University of the Philippines.

The sweep clinched De La Salle's ninth men's title overall and the first since 2013, with the coronation set Thursday.

Reigning men's MVP Nusair Lao, Melbourne Lustado, Kenneth Buenavides, and Sturdy Jay Gilbuena, who entered the day unbeaten, had their efforts were not enough as NU failed to sustain its two-fight winning start on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs rebounded with a 6-1 victory over Far Eastern University to earn a split for the day and raise their record to 3-1.

UST sits in third with a 2-1 record and can secure second place if it beats NU and Ateneo on the final day of the competition on Thursday.

In the women's division, last year's MVP Laizel Abucay led University of Santo Tomas to overpower Ateneo, 6-1, and La Salle, 4-3, to move on the cusp of completing a three-peat after moving up to 4-0.

The Tiger Jins can retain the throne and annex a 14th women's title overall with a victory over the Lady Bulldogs on Thursday.

NU stretched its perfect run to three after besting De La Salle, 6-1, and Ateneo, 7-0.

NU's remaining women's fights also on Thursday are against UP and UST.

The Lady Green Jins' lone win of the day was a 7-0 rout of the Blue Eagles.  With a 3-2 record, De La Salle is assured of a podium finish.

Ateneo ended up in fourth at 2-3.

In the high school division, UST and NU-Nazareth clash for all the marbles Thursday after nipping FEU-Diliman, both via 3-2 scorelines.

UST and NUNS, which also beat Ateneo, 5-0, have similar 3-0 records.

De La Salle-Zobel, which pulled off a 3-2 win over Ateneo, is tied with FEU-D at 1-2 and the two teams will battle for third place Thursday.

NU impress in taekwondo opener

c/o UAAP

NATIONAL University opened its bid for a sixth straight men's championship by posting two consecutive victories, while three-peat seeking University of Santo Tomas also made it two in a row in the women's division of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Taekwondo Tournament on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

In the fabled Malate venue where most national taekwondo meets are usually held, the Bulldogs put up a show behind reigning men's MVP Nusair Lao, Melbourne Lustado, Kenneth Buenavides, and Sturdy Jay Gilbuena.

After overpowering Ateneo, 6-1, in the opener, NU returned in the afternoon session with a 5-2 conquest of University of the Philippines.

In the women's division, the Tiger Jins made an early statement on retaining the throne.

Led by last year's MVP Laizel Abucay, UST set in motion its title-retention campaign with a 6-1 drubbing of Ateneo followed by a 6-1 conquest of Far Eastern University.

Joining the Bulldogs in the men's lead at 2-0 are La Salle and UST.

The Green Jins topped FEU, 6-1, and subdued Ateneo, 7-0, in the afternoon session. The Tiger Jins went through the wringer before beating UP, 4-3, needing to win their last two bouts to prevail, and downed FEU, 6-1.

De La Salle matched UST's 2-0 record as it prevailed over UP, 6-1, and FEU, 7-0.

NU saw its lone fight on opening day pulling off a masterful 7-0 victory over FEU.

The Blue Eagles evened their record to 1-1 following a 5-2 romp of the Fighting Maroons.

In high school action, which is played simultaneously with men and women for the first time, NU-Nazareth School opened its title-retention bid by blanking De La Salle-Zobel, 5-0.

UST took the early lead as it whipped Ateneo, 5-0, and De La Salle-Zobel, 4-1.

FEU-Diliman dismantled Ateneo, 5-0, in the other high school contest.

Action resumes Wednesday at 8 a.m.

NU, UST seeking successful title defense in taekwondo

c/o UAAP

NATIONAL University begins its quest for another double championship today (Monday) in the UAAP Season 87 Taekwondo Tournaments at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

In the collegiate men’s division, the Bulldogs are targeting an impressive six-peat, bringing them one step closer to matching the UST Tiger Jins’ record of seven consecutive titles from Seasons 65 to 71 (2002–2008).

Under the guidance of head coach Carlos Padilla, the Bulldogs boast a powerhouse lineup for their title defense.

Reigning MVP and featherweight standout Nuisar Lao returns for his third year, joined by seasoned competitors Sturdy Gabuena and Carl Ayaton.

Adding to their depth is UAAP Season 86 Juniors MVP Melbourne Lustado, who is poised to make an impact in the collegiate ranks.

NU kicks off its campaign with a morning clash against Ateneo at 9:00 a.m. on Court 1, followed by a 3:30 p.m. matchup against University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, in the juniors’ division, the Bullpups, who ended the Junior Tiger Jins’ four-year title reign last season, are set to face the DLSZ Junior Green Jins at 3:30 p.m., also on Court 1.

On the other hand, the UST Tiger Jins are determined to reclaim their throne this season, led by middle/heavyweight champion Israel Cantos and bantamweight titleholder Legolas Peñaredondo.

The Tiger Jins will debut against UP at 10:30 a.m. before taking on Far Eastern University (FEU) at 6:30 p.m., both on Court 1.

In the women’s division, the UST Lady Jins are on a mission to secure their third consecutive championship and their 13th overall.

Fresh off a thrilling finale last season where Angel Mae Lorbes clinched victory against NU’s Aila Calip in the decisive match, UST is aiming to reinforce its dominance.

Lorbes, now more seasoned, returns to action alongside lightweight champion Realis Tabiando and welterweight gold medalist Reign Ragutana.

The Lady Jins of UST will open their title defense on Court 2 with matches against Ateneo at 1:00 p.m. and FEU at 5:00 p.m.

The Poomsae competition, another highlight of the tournament, will take place on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same venue.

UST, the reigning Poomsae champions, remains a formidable force with two-time gold medalist Chelsea Tacay leading the squad.

NU retains men's title, drops women's to UST in UAAP taekwondo

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 85 Collegiate Taekwondo Final Standings:
Men
NU 5-0
UST 4-1
DLSU 3-2
FEU 2-3
UP 1-4
Ateneo 0-5

Women
UST 5-0
NU 4-1
DLSU 3-2
UP 2-3
FEU 1-4
Ateneo 0-5

National University successfully defended their men's title at the collegiate kyorugi portion of the UAAP Season 85 taekwondo touranment, which concluded on Thursday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Bulldogs won all their ties against the rest of the field to earn its fourth straight championship, just a couple of days after their compatriots claimed their first title in the poomsae division. They finished off their run with a 4-3 victory over the University of Santo Tomas.

Head coach Carlos Padilla shares about their achievement, "Siyempre, sobrang saya no na na-maintain yung four-peat. Alam naman natin na hindi madali na mag-maintain na ganong streak, kailangan talaga ng hardwork. Yung training ng mga bata, hindi biro -- two to three times a day, Monday to Saturday. So, binigay sa kanila ngayon. Sobrang happy ako na nagbunga yung pinagpaguran nila."

Leading the way in the title romp was Kurt Barbosa. The Tokyo Olympian finished the season undefeated after dispatching fellow national team member Rommel Pablo Jr in the finweight (under-54 kg) division, 2-0 (12-11, 12-7). In the process, he secured his third straight gold in the weight class. Completing the podium alongside the two standouts is Radiz Navidad of Far Eastern University.

Sturjay Gilbuena would clinch the tie for NU after a 2-0 (5-5, 3-2) win over Reyvin Villanueva in the featherweight (under-68 kg) division. Joining them on the podium is Kyle Laroya of the University of the Philippines.

The Bulldogs would have an additional gold medal through Dex Ian Chavez in the flyweight (under-58 kg) division. Rama Chandra Liporada of UST and Lois Manalaysay join Chavez as fellow medalists.

The Tiger Jins would a gold medalist in their runner-up finish, thanks to Justin Mark Agno in the lightweight (under-74 kg) class. Agno would top Jemuel Rendora of FEU and Lao Nusari of NU.

Finishing in third place is DLSU, which capped off its campaign with a 6-1 thrashing of Ateneo. The Green Jins claimed the three remaining gold medals, as Einz Aricayos topped the welterweight (under-80 kg) class, with Carlo Dionisio taking care of the bantamweight (under-63 kg) division over Kurt Pajuelas of NU and Dave Lobaton of UST. The other gold went to Marc Gasilos in the middle/heavyweight division (over-80 kg), with Mark Arby of UST and Gab Soria of NU accompanying Gasilos in the podium.

Comprising the rest of the podium in welterweight is Israel Cantos of UST and Hedwig Yap of FEU.

c/o UAAP

NU's hopes to complete the collegiate sweep were dashed in the women's division, as UST reclaimed the title by sweeping the field for their thirteenth title and first since Season 76.

The Tiger Jins doused the hopes of the Lady Bulldogs with a 6-1 victory, with Realis Tabiando clinching the tie by defeating Jubilee Briones in the lightweight (under-62 kg) division, 2-0 (2-1, 3-2).

Head coach Gershon Bautista shares, "We're overjoyed, especially after the pandemic. As you know, lahat naman ng teams naghanda, Pero yung team kasi namin -- even during the pandemic --kahit na online yung setting, kahit hindi namin gusto yung online, we're still training during that time."

NU's lone win came from Veronica Garces in the flyweight (under-49 kg) division, as the national team stalwart defeated Angelica Valdez, 2-0 (3-3, 5-3), capping off an undefeated campaign. Completing the podium with these two is Jade Papa of DLSU.

Papa and the rest of the Green Jins finish in third place with a 3-2 record, earning the spot after a 6-1 win over Far Eastern University.

UST would finish with five gold medals, led by SEA Games bronze medalist Laila Delo in the middle/heavyweight (over-67 kg) division, with Allyah Eusalan of DLSU and Micha Villarama of NU as fellow podium placers.

Reign Ragutana claimed the welterweight (under-67 kg) title for the Tiger Jins. Joining her in the podium are Nicole Anne McCann of NU and Argie Lamasan of DLSU.

The rest of the Tiger Jins champions are Jasmine Ramirez in the finweight (under-46 kg) class over Clarence Sarza of NU and Eirenne Lumasang of Ateneo, Mary Limjoco in the bantamweight (under-53kg) class over Purcia Ang of DLSU and Abigail Abing of NU, and Tabiando.

The other gold medal that UST was unable to secure went to Florence Chavez of the University of the Philippines, who topped the featherweight (under-57 kg) title. She finished ahead of Laizel Abucay of UST and Via Trocio of NU.

In the individual awards, Barbosa's flawless campaign netted him his second Most Valuable Player nod, with Aricayos being named as the Rookie of the Year. For the women's division, Delo would be named as the Most Valuable Player, with Ragutana as the Rookie of the Year.

NU takes charge in UAAP collegiate taekwondo

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 85 Day 1 Collegiate Taekwondo Kyorugi Standings

Men's
NU 3-0
UST 3-0
DLSU 1-1
FEU 1-1
Ateneo 0-3
UP 0-3

Women's
NU 3-0
UST 2-0
DLSU 2-1
UP 1-2
FEU 0-3
Ateneo 0-3

National University kicked off its title retention campaign on an impressive note, winning all its matches in the first day of the collegiate kyorugi action in the UAAP Season 85 Taekwondo tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym inside Ateneo de Manila University.

The Men's Division saw the Bulldogs dispatch the University of the Philippines, 6-1, Far Eastern University, 5-2, and Ateneo, 7-0. Leading the cast is national athlete Kurt Barbosa, who shared afterwards, "It's good to be back talaga, kasi after three years na pandemic walang mga laro. Kaya itong UAAP namin pinaghandaan talaga namin, kaya sabi namin pagbalik, 'Handang-handa na kami ulit para i-defend yung title."

Barbosa won both his matches on the mat in his under-54 kg division, defeating Vince Yango of UP, 10-0 and 8-4, and Ron Jaranilla, 12-0 and 12-0. The Rookie-MVP of Season 81 was handed another win with Antonio Sucero of Ateneo forced to withdraw due to a pulled hamstring.

Season 82 runners-up University of Santo Tomas also won its matches, issuing 7-0 sweeps against UP and Ateneo before nipping La Salle, 4-3.

DLSU did manage to get themselves on the board with a 4-3 win over UP. Far Eastern University did bounce back from their loss against NU with a 7-0 sweep against Ateneo.

On the women's side, the Lady Bulldogs swept its first two assignments against Ateneo and FEU, before eking out a narrow 4-3 win over La Salle.

Securing the win in their matchup is Nicole McCann, defeating Argie Lamasan in three rounds, 0-12, 10-3, 2-0.

The Green Jins dropped to 2-1 with the defeat, which came after they dispatched UP, 4-3, and Ateneo, 6-1.

Also remaining undefeated so far in the distaff side is UST, winning against FEU, 6-1, and UP, 5-2.

The Lady Maroons did manage a win in Day 1, nipping FEU, 4-3.

Expect an intense race in the second and final day of competitions on Thursday, with NU and UST still to face off.

UST sweeps to secure HS Taekwondo title

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 85 High School Boys' Taekwondo Kyorugi standings

UST 4-0
FEU-Diliman 3-1
NU-Nazareth 2-2
Ateneo 1-3
DLS-Zobel 0-4

The University of Santo Tomas flexed its dominance of the high school kyorugi portion of the UAAP Season 85 taekwondo championships at the Blue Eagle Gym on Tuesday.

The Tiger Jins won all four of its ties to claim its fourth straight title and fourteenth overall.

When asked about what makes their program successful, head coach Gershon Bautista shares, "I think ano na talaga yun eh, mind-setting talaga. Kahit anong sabihin natin -- players na bagong balik, bagong salta, many of them, nagkita lang kami after nung pandemic. Hindi naman sa 'min nanggaling eh."

He adds, "The program is strong because of the mindset of the players and they believe in the training regimen. We believe in them and they, in turn, believe in us."

UST started the day off with a 4-1 win over NU-Nazareth, then swept Ateneo, 5-0. They would clinch the title with a 4-1 triumph over FEU-Diliman, rendering their final tie against La Salle-Zobel, which they won 5-0, as non-bearing.

Legolas Peñaredondo would clinch the championship with a 2-0 (4-1 and 13-6) win over Vinn Pineda of FEU-Diliman to lock in the third win of their tie against the Baby Tamaraws.

FEU secured second place by defeating the Bullpups, 3-2 to finish with a 3-1 record. The Baby Tamaraws secured the win by winning the last two matches of the tie, with Pineda defeating John Balido, 2-1 (1-8, 2-0, 5-0) to set up the deciding matchup, which James Camillo would clinch with a 2-1 (13-2, 0-1, 11-2) win over Kurt Bodegas.

NU-Nazareth ends up in third place with a 2-2 record.

In the individual categories, Peñaredondo was named as the Most Valuable Player, aside from topping the fourth category (63-70 kg). Pineda would finish as runner-up in the same category, while John Balido of NU-Nazareth secured the bronze medal. Balido was also chosen as the Rookie of the Year. 

UST also claimed the gold medals in the first (under-48 kg) and third (55-63 kg) categories, with Sean Duenas securing the former and Jose Jacob Cartagena taking the latter.

Joining Duenas as first category medalists are Rodito Sinugbojan Jr. of NU-Nazareth and Timothy Melicado of FEU-Diliman. Serving as company for Cartagena in the podium are Kent Banzon of NU-Nazareth and Juztene Buan of FEU-Diliman.

The other two categories went to FEU, with Felix Castel securing the second (48-55 kg) category and Camillo in the fifth (63-70 kg) category. Accompany Castel as his podium peers are Renzo Gavillanes of UST and Noel Macasaet of Ateneo, while Bodegas and John Gabriega of UST join Camillo.

NU claims Season 85 poomsae title

c/o UAAP

National University secured its first title in the Poomsae portion of the UAAP Season 85 Taekwondo tournament, which took place on Tuesday morning at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Bulldogs won two golds and two silvers in the five events being contested, pipping the University of Santo Tomas, who also won a couple of golds, but could only muster a silver and a bronze.

NU sealed their maiden title in the men's team event, with the trio of Ceanne Rosquillo, James Lopez, and Jed Tan netting an 8.265 score, narrowly netting the gold over the trio of Dominic Navarro, Joshua Cachero, and Datu Rayhan of the University of the Philippines and their 8.235 score, for the lone medal of the Fighting Maroons in the competition.

A UP gold would have handed UST a successful title defense, with Vincent Rodrigues, Kobe Macario, and Dairus Venerable falling short with a 8.165 to finish third in the division.

NU's other gold came in the women's individual category with Laeia Soria topping the field with a score of 8.250. Last season's Rookie-MVP Aidaine Laxa came in second with 8.135 for UST, with Mikee Regala of La Salle completing the podium at 7.880.

Soria would be named as the tournament's Most Valulable Player.

NU head coach Dustin Mella says about the championship, "I'm still processing it, but it's hard work basically. We had to rethink our own approach to our lineup, to the events we want to emphasize. It was a lot of hard work and there were really so many factors."

The Tiger Jins' two golds came in mixed pair and the women's team events.

Rodrigues teamed up with Chelsea Tacay to nip the duo of Patrick Perez and Regala of DLSU, 8.230 to 8.215, with Ateneo's Joaquin Tuzon and Elaine Borres finishing in third with 7.895.

Laxa, Jade Carno and Stella Yape retained their gold with a 8.350 score, with Soria, Abegail Pacificador, and Denise Alicias claiming the silver medal with an 8.215. Completing the podium is the La Salle trio of Sofia Sarmiento, Zyka Santiago, and Daphne Ching with their 8.005.

The Blue Eagles secured the only gold that did not belong to either NU or UST, as Tuzon topped the men's individual event with an 8.195 score, nipping both Rosquillo's 8.170 and Perez's 8.115. In securing the gold, Ateneo would lock in its first podium finish in the history of the competition.

Still ongoing is the high school kyorugi competition, with the collegiate action set to take place in the next couple of days.

UST shooting for Poomsae repeat

Taekwondo coaches meeting

Taekwondo action in the 85th season of the UAAP is set to commence, with poomsae kicking things off on Tuesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The University of Santo Tomas is seeking their fifth title in the competition, months after ending La Salle's quest for a three-peat at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tiger Jins anchored their title run by topping the team categories, as well as in the mixed pair. They were also boosted by the presence of Aidaine Laxa, who was named as both the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player.

The Green Jins are hoping to move back level with the defending champions after finishing third, with National University nabbing runner-up honors. The two will serve as the biggest obstacles for UST's title defense.

Serving as potential spoilers in the competition are the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, and Far Eastern University.

Also set to take place alongside the poomsae event is the high school kyorugi, which makes its return after a three-year pandemic-related break.

UST is seeking to claim a record fourteenth crown in the division, with FEU-Diliman, NU-Nazareth, Ateneo de Manila, and La Salle-Zobel serving as stumbling blocks.

Action in both poomsae and kyorugi starts at 8am.

Kyorugi action for both collegiate divisions will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.

DELTA turns 40 tomorrow

The De La Salle Tae Kwon Do Association (DELTA) turns 40 tomorrow, and to commemorate the occassion, they will have a reunion at the Henry Sy Hall inside the Taft campus.

Details on the DELTA reunion

The sport of taekwondo was introduced to La Salle students by Grandmaster Hong Sun Chon, and the school has produced some of the best jins to represent the country, including Monsour del Rosario and Stephen Fernandez, who are now La Salle Sports Hall of Famers and successful in their current fields in the House of Representatives and College of Saint Benilde, respectively.

The reunion also acts as a fundraiser for DELTA to help procure Precision Scoring Systems, something they have done for La Salle and CSB and intend to do for La Salle-Greenhills and La Salle-Zobel. The PSS helps the jins improve in their participation in various leagues, from the UAAP/NCAA to the Philippine Taekwondo League.