Anthony William C. Ceniza: Davao's rising arnisador

BARELY two years since learning the ropes of the Filipino martial art, Anthony William C. Ceniza had already won seven gold medals for Davao City in various tournaments.

The recent of which was topping his category in the arnis competition of the Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission (POC-PSC) Batang Pinoy 2012 National Championship held in Iloilo City.

He also hauled a gold in the Mindanao Qualifying in Dapitan City to earn him a slot in the annual sportsfest for 15 years old and below athletes.
He opened 2012 by sweeping three golds in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet in New Bataan, Compostela Valley in April. He, however, settled for silver in the Palarong Pambansa in Pangasinan in May.

The 15-year-old Davao City National High School third year year student bounced back with a golden finish in the Summer Sports Festival in Tagum City only to salvage a bronze in the Kagay-an Arnis Championship in Cagayan de Oro City.

He is expected to don the city's colors anew in the Davraa Meet slated next month in Tagum City.

The five-foot-nine ace engaged in the sport without any influence from anybody close to him.

"I just chose to play arnis because it is a Filipino sport. I remember approaching our trainer so I can join the club," Anton told Sun.Star Davao.

He said being a student-athlete at DCNHS is made easier because he is part of the special sports class where they are being helped in balancing time for their studies and their training.

Being in sports, according to him, allows him to gain new friends from different places.

He went on saying, "My greatest dream though is to represent the country in international games."

When he is not studying or training, expect Anton to just go bonding with his dogs. He finds it a great pleasure and stress-relieving just to be around his adorable pets.

May Anton defend his Davraa titles in Tagum and improve his silver finish in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa.