"We know it’s going to be tough because a lot of Southeast Asian countries have improved," said PKF president Eduardo Ponce. "But we have prepared a strong program this year and if things work out right for us, we’re confident of our chances, maybe win four or five gold medals in Hanoi."
Ponce’s optimism could be attributed to a solid program laid out by Italian coach Guiseppe Romano, who has been training the local karatekas since July of last year, and a promise of a full support from Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain.
Romano, a gold medalist in the —70 kg kumite event in the 1991 World Championships, has also conducted a rigid two-week training last year and is expected to return to the country on March 23 for a 12-day visit to train some of RP’s top bets for Hanoi.
"The money we spent to hire him (Romano) last year came from the PKF," said Ponce. "This year, however, will be different since we included him in our program with all the backings of the PSC chairman."
Ponce said Romano’s arrival has helped the Philippines improve its performances in international events like the World Championships and the Asian Games.
"Usually sa World Championships, yung mga pinapadala natin umuuwi ng may pasa sa mukha. Sa pagdating nung Italian coach, umaabot na tayo sa third round which is a big achievement already," said Ponce.
Ponce’s forecast, should it happen, will be a big improvement of the country’s two-gold medal harvest in the Kuala Lumpur SEAG two years back. Joey Pabillore and beauteous Gretchen Malalad, who is also one of the two bronze medallists in last year’s Busan Asian games with the other being Cherli Tugday were the two gold medal winners.