Young karatekas from Bacolod-based ISKF-KFS brought home 14 gold medals from STRIKA 2024 Pionono Bofill Memorial Regional Tournament held April 13 at Mary Mart Mall in Iloilo City.
The golden haul was bannered by Aereon Julius Padios, Carl Joseph Mampang and Julia Sotto, who bagged the championship in Team Kata.
Padios also won two individual gold medals in boys’ 10-11 years old intermediate and advance kata, plus a silver medal in +122 cm. kumite. Mampang topped the boys’ +140 cm. kumite and finished with a gold and silver in boys’ 10-11 years old intermediate and open kata.
It was a triple gold performance from Zaine Spencer Tonedo, displayed his outstanding form in boys’ +122 cm. kumite and 8-9 years old novice and intermediate kata.
Flint Dave Pahilanga won the gold in -122 cm. kumite and settled for siler in 7 years old and below newbie kata, while Asriel Noelli Colegado bested his rivals in boys’ 8-9 years old newbie kata.
Klein Abdiel Torres added another gold and silver medal to the haul of the ISKF-KFS Bacolod from his outstanding performance in 10-11 years old novice and intermediate kata as Timothy Ledesma bagged two silver medals in 12-13 years old intermediate and open kata.
The girls team finished with two gold medals from Mikaela Ysabel Yusingco in 8-9 years old newbie kata and -122 cm. girls kumite, while Julia Sotto won two individual gold medals in 8-9 years old novice kata and +122 cm. girls kumite.
The team is mentored by Sensei Elan Delfin and Sensei Randy Mengullo.
“I thank all the parents for the support they contributed during the training and even in the tournament proper,” said Sensei Mengullo.
He added four of their senpais and senior black belts – Gerrine Kaye Perez, Ferlie Mae Lall, Shifra Medina and Adah Keiras Gorriceta – are currently preparing for the Hong Kong/Macau International Karate Championship scheduled on Aug. 24-25 this year. ||
