BAGUIO City dominated the recently concluded 20th National Muaythai Open held at the Igorot Garden by bagging 33 gold medals, 23 silver and 23 bronze besting other competitors from other parts of the country including members of the Philippine National Team.
The Summer Capital stormed the novice division with a 17 – 11 – 9 haul while the advance division saw Baguio winning 16 – 12 – 14 in the two-day competition that saw 23 teams joining.
Benguet, powered by Sablan, Benguet State University and Cordillera Career Development College came in second with 9 – 21 – 3 medal haul while the national squad finished the tournament with identical nine gold medals and two silver.
Quezon City was fourth over-all with five gold medals and two bronze as Mountain Province completed the top five with 3 – 6 – 4 haul in the tournament sanctioned by the Muaythai Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the City Government of Baguio.
Baguio’s gold medalists in the novice division include Rainiell Mabiasan, Islay Erika Bomogao, Ligaya Cagaid, Cristina Necesito, Rehyan Aguinaldo, Colin John Banusan, Billy Reynaldo, Wilfredo Padua, Jomar Balangui, Lucky Mateo, Jerry Olsim, Gideon Fred Padua, Ezra Saclag, Jhanlo Mark Sangiao, Kinalex Brent Briaga, Nelson Bantiyan, and Daryll Bagangao.
In the advance category, Baguio gold medalist include Zyra Mhel Binay-an, Mariah Co, Ruth Santong, Dahlia Tarapen, Lyna Mae Lamog, Lielani Fagsao, Aubrey Bugayong Jenelyn Olsim, Kenneth Banasan, Kevin Kurt Katter, Arthur Tan, Kelly Marcelo, Keanu Dumalsin, Barry White Belong, Glenfrey Dacaleng and Tom Oliver Fortunato.
Benguet meanwhile leaned on Jerriane Mae Leo, Janica Alawas, Rosemarie Recto, Jenevieve Lopate, Rocky June Orine, and Tanner Bulso, in the novice category while the advance division saw Liane Benito, Botchucoy Rico and Nicoli Grant Olarte winning the gold in their respective weight class.
Gold medalists for the national team meanwhile are Lance Valenzuela, Peter Mark Bayaras, Jonathan Polosan, Ghen-Yhan Berdon, Kristian Narca, Kurt Lubrica, Josue Rivera, Rudzma Abubakarand Jay Harold Gregorio. (Roderick Osis)