Cebuano ship captain steers way to golden double

CEBU, Philippines —  He’s not only good at steering ships on high seas but also in taking down opponents on the mat as a budding martial artist.

Cebuano ship captain Ruben Magallanes proved that after he pocketed a pair of gold medals in the 2023 South East Asian Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu Friendship Games recently at the Activity Center of Ayala Makati Circuit Mall.

Magallanes, fighting out of Badger MMA/Carpie Diem Brazillian Jiujitsu Manila, bested Floubert Gatita of Team Fabricio in their final match to emerge as champion in the Gi Male Masters 2 White belt division, Under 70kg.

Magallanes, who is presently connected with Philippine Transmarine Carrier (PTC) as Master/Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator (SDPO), claimed his second gold after beating Fraian Bacarse of Team Fabricio in the No Gi Male Masters 2 White belt division, Under 67.5kg.

The golden double came as a perfect birthday present for Magallanes, who turned 44 years old on the day of the tournament last January 28.

It was truly a cause for celebration for the Madridejos, Bantayan Island-native Magallanes as his wife Rina and son Rai Christian also brought home gold medals in the same event organized by the Jiu Jitsu Federation of the Philippines.

Rina outsmarted Alyssa Agnes Jarina of Academia Militar Phi to reign supreme in the Gi Female Adults White belt division, Under 64kg.

“We enjoy spending time together over jiujitsu. It’s our family bonding time,” said Magallanes, whose two other children in Rohan King and Restin Rain are also into jiujitsu.

“I embraced this martial art because it teaches you some values that are applicable to our daily living such as discipline and respect. Also, it enhances my confidence level,” Magallanes ended.