Cebuano jins shine in Poomsae tourney

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu's pride Glenn Lava bested 35 other blackbelters all over the country to reign supreme in the 2010 Smart National Poomsae Taekwondo Championships the other day at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Lava bagged the coveted gold medal in the individual blackbelt category after overpowering national team members including Galilee Tinaya, Jonathan Rilloza and Gray Ken Raypon of Cagayan Valley and Baguio City, respectively.

"I was not really expecting that I could surpass all of them but with strong determination, optimism and dedication for the game, I was able to prove that I will be victorious at the end," said Lava.

Another Cebuana Rinna Babanto also grabbed the gold medal in the individual brownbelt division.

The Cebu Taekwondo Club composed of Lava, Claire Panaginip, Mcavynger Alob, Babanto, Eloise Herbito, John Paul Pomarse and Jeah Maglasang landed third in the synchronize poomsae team event.

The synchronize poomsae team event is a form of dance combining with acrobat, taekwondo forms steps with the beat of a certain music.

The other members of the Cebu Taekwondo Club in Iyan Anthony Lim, Alob and Herbito finished eighth in their respective individual events.

The Avenger Alob-mentored CTC extended their deep gratitude to Tony Del Prado, the chairman of Cebu Taekwondo Association, for his full support and plans for the group in both local and international tournaments. (THE FREEMAN)