500 bets vie in taekwondo 'Best of Best'

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Philippine team and other outstanding jins will show their wares in the 2010 Smart MVP Best of the Best taekwondo championships tomorrow at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.

Organizing committee chairman and Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Danilo Mojica said competition is expected to be tight in all three divisions – seniors, juniors and grade school.

 “It’s the only time martial enthusiasts will see the stars of the local taekwondo world gather under one roof to test each other’s skills,” said Mojica.

In addition to RP bets like Olympian Toni Rivero, John Paul Lizardo and Jyra Lizardo, also vying for honors are members of the elite pool of blackbelts, including AFP-PNP Olympic champions and gold medalists of national events including Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao championships as well as UAAP, NCAA and all PTA Metro Manila and regional competitions.

All in all, around 500 jins, including those from 12 regions, ARMM, CAR, CARAGA and NCR, are expected to participate.

Sports fans, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch for free the star-studded event supported by Smart Communications Inc. and PLDT.

Action starts at 9 a.m. but the opening ceremonies will be held at 1 p.m.

Among those invited to grace the opening rites are PLDT/Smart chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT/Smart president Napoleon Nazareno, Smart chief wireless adviser Orlando Vea, Wireless Community Solution Group head Perry Bayani, Brand Equity Management head Guido Zaballero, Buddy and Int’l Services head Tricia Dizon, PSC chairman Ricardo Garcia, POC chairman Monico Puentevella, POC president Jose Cojuangco, PSC commissioners Joaquin Loyzaga, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, Salvador Andrada and Jose Luis Reyes-Gomez and POC secretary general Stephen Hontiveros.