KARATEKAS from the Association for the Advancement of Karate (AAK)-Davao Atsuko Kaiyel Tan and Jam Ambrose Ramirez grabbed the limelight during the 23rd So Kim Cheng Sports Awards Night.
Tan, who is also the last year's Outstanding Female Athlete winner, won again this year. She was feted along with her colleague, Ramirez, who also won the Outstanding Male Athlete in 2015.
The two outstanding athletes were awarded by So Kim Cheng Foundation chairman So Peng Kee along with Davao City Sports Council Inc. (DCSCI) president Dexter So and Denver So at the Luzon Hall of Grand Regal Hotel Saturday evening.
Tan earned the prestigious award through her sterling performances in various international events.
Among her golden performances were during the 3rd Kuala Lumpur Mayors Cup Open Karate Championships and the 5th Adidas International Karate Cup in Mall of Asia.
Ramirez, for his part, won the gold medal in the 5th Adidas International Karate Cup at the Mall of Asia on top of a silver haul in the 18th Milo International Open Karatedo Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
On the other hand, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, who was represented by PSC executive assistant Ronel Abrenica, received the lifetime achievement award of the annual sporting award.
Former PSC commissioner Leon Gonalo "Bingoy" Montemayor, who missed the 22nd So Kim Cheng Sports Awards Night, received his achievement award.
Kapatirang Doble Olisi (KDO) chief Mario Palazuelo was also feted as the sports leadership awardee.
Rommel, father of Tan and the chief instructor of AAK-Davao, received the hall of fame coach of the year award.
"I was hesitant at first, thinking that I do not deserve the award. I was scared of how people might think but I am happy and satisfied because I know I did my best as a coach and a mentor to my wards. I'm not perfect but by God's grace, I survived," the older Tan said in an interview.
Before announcing the outstanding athletes in various sports, DSCI inducted its new members Michael John Aquino of Deftac Ribeiro Davao and Rhoderick James Ang, managing director of Davao Adventure X.
Outstanding athletes awards were given to Sandra Adlao and Nasef Ecoras (archery), Sheila Mae Morales and Jonathan Ryle Mata (arnis), Karylle Kaye Baguio Molina and Arthur Samuel Gavarra Salvado (badminton), Iring Yngayo and Wesley Jovan Magbanua (chess), Myra Regina Acedo and Richard Handumon Jr. (cycling), Krashel Bishoppe Balanza, Kalel Clark Delute, Milagros Sasin and Randy Cortez (dancesport), Shazma Theresa del Rosario and Rolando Magday (duckpin), Jessica Pido and Amir Andre Amaikurut (football), Kyzzhia Pauline Navarro and John Philip Cagandahan (karatedo), Tristan Lou Galanto (moto-x), Ernie Gawilan (PhiSpada), Diana Cosare and Raphael Carlo Mancha (rugby), Ayesha Bonniemhe Quibol and Herzel Miles Abendan (table tennis), Paquito Santos (bowling tenpin), Jacon Adeva (volleyball) and Roni Marielle Santiago and Clyde Roderos.
Individual citations were also given to Michael Ibag, Engineer Allan Diez, Blanche Elyze Bongato, Michael Angelo Castillo, John Paul Ponce, Sofia Agullo, Pavel Jervis Bacayo, Davao Regional Football Association (DRFA), Jesus Vincent Lumapas, James Infiesto and Rosebe Hilot.
Team citations, however, were given to Davao City Cycling Team, Davao City Bowlers Association-Sunday Bowlers Club (Daciba-SBC) SMA Eagles, Davao Durians Rugby Team and Beach Volleyball Team.
The family of late Edward Chaya Lam and Michael Boris Diez also received posthumous awards.
Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA), Sun.Star Davao, represented by this writer, Edge Davao, Mindanao Times, Mindanao Daily Mirror, ABS-CBN, GMA and TV 5 were given each a media plaque of appreciation.
The program was capped with a closing message from DCSCI president Dexter So.