Cebuano judoka gets “Trophy of Excellence”

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Judo Federation along with Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian bestowed upon decorated Cebuano judoka Joaquin Nicolo Fernandez the “Trophy of Excellence” on account of his sterling performance in the POC-PSC Philippine National Games recently in Manila.

Fernandez was accorded with such accolade for having the “most number of ippon” in the juniors division.

Interestingly, Fernandez earned a total of four ippons or the highest score one can have in this martial arts in only 30 seconds or less.

Overall, Fernandez ended his PNG campaign with one gold medal in the juniors division and a bronze in the seniors level for Team Cebu City, while fellow Cebuano Rey Almencion got a bronze.

In their Manila trip, Fernandez and Almencion were supported by Coca-Cola Cebu Plant, San Miguel Corporation, University of Cebu, lawyers Edward de la Cuesta, Vicente Yutangco, Jr., and Rico Rey Holganza, Michael Jude Logarta, Ahmed Erpe,  Carlos Corsiga, Vince Colina, Alex Choachuy, Sr., Senator-elect Cynthia Villar and Solsoloy.

After the PNG, Fernandez is now eyeing for a slot to the elite national team and hopefully represent the country to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Myanmar later this year. (FREEMAN)