FRESH from winning the gold medal in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos, Ma. Marna Pabillore proved she's not just good in kicking butts but in coaching and training as well.
At least two Cagayan de Oro charges of Pabillore stamped class in the 23rd Philippine Karatedo Federation National Open and Age Group Championships held recently in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
The 29-year-old Pabillore, recently enlisted to the Elite RP Team bound for the China Asiad this year, had only a short week conditioning Christian Varias and Donita Jade Villareal prior to the national event.
But the discipline and martial arts techniques they've learned from their grizzled mentor eventually gained the fruits of her labor.
Coming from a triumphant finish in Ched National Games, the 19-year-old Varias won the Dagupan tourney's gold in the Open Men's kumite, making him the youngest ever among the Cagayan de Oro hopefuls to ever win in the open category.
"I could not have won that one without Sensei Marna's conditioning," said Varias, who revealed that they have to finish 10 laps in the pool daily.
The 17-year-old Villareal, on the other hand, settled for silver in 17-under girls kumite in controversial fashion.
"I landed a clean kick but the referee awarded the point instead to my opponent and I did not have the chance to level the score since the time is ticking short," said Villareal. "But it ain't a big deal. They knew who won the finals."
The two young karatekas are now being eyed to the RP Team having been enlisted outright to the national training pool. From time to time, they'll be called by the PKF for a formal training in Manila.
The University of Santo Tomas is also keen on granting Villareal a scholarship if ever she would decide to finish her collegiate studies in Manila.
Both Varias and Villareal were honored by City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula during a courtesy call last week in his office.
Today, the city also recognizes another Kagay-anon in lawn tennis sensation Francis Casey Alcantara.
The country's No.1 junior netter, who became the first Filipino to win the grand slam event in Melbourne, Australia, will be presented in a morning flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall.
"After so many championship wins here and abroad, this will be just the first time that Casey will be formally acknowledged as a Kagay-anon sports hero," said one insider of the Nazareth Lawn Tennis Club where the youthful Alcantara learned the rudiments of the game.