Cebuano shines in nat'l tikefest Glenn Lava bags two gold medals in poomsae competition

CEBU, Philippines - Multi-awarded Cebuano jin, Glenn Lava, earned a great opportunity after an outstanding performance during the National Carlos Palanca Jr. (CPJ) Taekwondo Championships last Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Lava secured a gold medal in the senior B division of the poomsae event. He also teamed up with two other jins from Manila to win the gold in the team event.

This is a milestone for Cebu Taekwondo as it marks the first time that Cebu was able to send that many players and won as many medals in the National CPJ Championships.

The National CPJ is the most competitive and prestigious of all TKD competitions as it also serves as the national team tryouts. 

Though not yet assured of a slot, Lava has nevertheless been invited by Master Jeong, the visiting Korean poomsae coach, to stay in Manila and practice with the national team. Jeong promised to make Lava, a world class poomsae player in six months.

The next step for Lava is to join the final evaluation and selection for the national team on February 19 at Rizal Memorial Complex.  

“We remain confident that Glenn would make it as he is very diligent in practice and goes out his way to perfect his craft. Although the national team practices only once a day, Glenn does it thrice a day. No wonder Igor Mella, the national team coach, told me that he is very much impressed with Glenn's vast improvement,” said Tony Del Prado.

Meanwhile, in the sparring event, Wendil Jay Rama bagged a gold medal in the 120 to 128 cm children boys division. John Paul Tomarse and Veronica Garces secured silver medals apiece in the junior men flyweight and 136 to 144 cm children girls divisions, respectively while Mikay Albero got bronze in the 128 to 136 cm girls division.

Michael Realista, who is a former national team member himself, coached the team for this competition.

The Poomsae team, on the other hand, was coached by Regional Poomsae Varsity Director Avenger Alob. The delegation was headed by Tony Del Prado, Philippine Taekwondo Regional Chairman and Commissioner of CCSC. (FREEMAN)