MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines-Smart team, which boasts of some of the finest and upcoming athletes, is seeing action in the 11th Asean Taekwondo Championships which starts today and ends May 12 in Nay Pyl Taw, Myanmar.
Ten other countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and host Myanmar, are vying for honors.
The Filipinos will compete in kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms) as part of the country’s preparations for the 27th Southeast Asian Games in December this year.
Nine officials are part of the 62-man delegation supported by MVP Sports Foundation, Smart Communicatons Inc., PLDT, Meralco, TV 5 and Philippine Sports Commission.
The Phl/Smart athletes:
Senior male (kyorugi) – Jenar Torillos, Francis Aaron Agojo, Joaquin Mendoza, Benjamin Keith Sembrano, Gershon Bautista, Christian Al dela Cruz, Guillino de Dios and Kristopher Robert Uy.
Senior female (kyorugi) – Mary Anjelay Pelaez, Leigh Ann Nuguid, Ma. Izabella Erika Mora, Bianca Maurice Go, Jane Rafaelle Narra, Francesca Patricia Gonzalez, Paola Karolina Amon and Kirstie Elaine Alora.
Junior male (kyorugi) – Eric Miguel Padilla, Mathew Michael Padilla, Enrique Edgardo Mora IV, Karlos Bennedict Gaerlan, Joel Felipe Alejandro, Aaron James Galita, Rhayzor Jurriene Catris, Juan Miguel Ramos, Cedric Sam Perez and Aries Capispisan.
Junior female (kyorugi) – Irene Therese Bermejo, Cleio Marie Banez, Suzzane Glehn Caslangan, Kristelle Kate Salmon, Bea Muriel Go, Inna Izabella Dionisio, Coleen Heria, Ma. Kaye Shanelle Romuar, Alyssa Amihan and Reign Charm Ragutana.
Male (poomsae) – Alfritz Arevalo, Raphael Enrico Mella, Miguel Anthony Calamba, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Dustin Jacob Mella and Moses Bullicer.
Female (poomsae) – Rinna Babanto, France Pauline Alarilla, Beatrice Anne Ventura, Mary Nichole Maurin, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, Maegan Bugarin, Frances Beatrice Alarilla, Shaneen Ched Sia and Juvenile Faye Crisostomo.