In a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, Mary Angeline Alcantara, of Barangay Estefania in Bacolod City, emerged victorious in the recent 86th season of the UAAP Women’s Taekwondo Kyorugi Championships, held at the Marikina Sports Complex Nov. 28-29.
Alcantara, a rising star in the taekwondo scene, made her mark by clinching the highly coveted Rookie of the Year award.
The daughter of Jun Mark Alcantara, who works at the provincial government of Negros Occidental, the athlete has been a consistent performer under the mentorship of world-class taekwondo instructor, Vic Feria, at the Hanah Taekwondo Academy.
Her journey to success was highlighted by her groundbreaking achievements, notably being the first Filipina to secure a gold medal and Most Valuable Player award at the 3rd World Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Egypt back in August 2017.
The UAAP Women’s Taekwondo Kyorugi Championships saw Alcantara facing off against formidable opponents, opening her debut match with a close defeat against the seasoned Nica Garces of National University, who secured the win with just a one-point lead.
Undeterred, the Bacolodnon taekwondo jin rebounded spectacularly, dominating her next four matches against competitors from UP, FEU, Ateneo, and UST with an impressive almost 12-point gap in each encounter.
In an interview following her outstanding performance, Alcantara expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “It’s really a big achievement for me to win four of my five matches in my first UAAP run, but my ultimate goal is to have the team championship in the near future.”
She went on to discuss her dedication to training and preparation, adding that she is already in talks with her teammates to intensify their efforts in strength and conditioning for the upcoming seasons, a press release said Nov. 30.
Alcantara also acknowledged the pivotal figures in her journey, saying, “I want to thank God for always giving me strength and guiding me to avoid injuries. Thank you to my Papa and Mama, who are always supporting me; to coach Vic Feria for teaching me all the techniques in taekwondo that made me the player I am today; and to all my coaches in DLSU, coach Roberto “Kitoy” Cruz, coach Kirstie Alora, and coach Pogs Jazmines.”
With her eyes set on future victories and team championships, Alcantara’s remarkable achievements have not only solidified her position as a rising taekwondo star but have also inspired a new wave of enthusiasm and dedication within the taekwondo community. ||
