FOLLOWING in the footsteps of his legendary kin, journeyman Michael Pabillore tried to promote martial arts again and train young and budding karatedo disciples in Northern Mindanao.
The results?
Pabillore’s students Henry Silva and Jhon Christian Maglinao Cabunoc sparkled in the first SK Invitational Karatedo Championships held recently in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
“Maka-encourage kay two months pa lang nako sila gi-train unya nag-succeed na sila in their respective age categories,” the Cagayan de Oro native Pabillore, who founded BMDA (Bushido thru Martial Arts Development Association), told SunStar Cagayan de Oro.
Silva made it to the finals, but settled for silver in 60 kilogram (kg) category for 18 above seniors kumite/sparring event. While Cabunoc salvaged a bronze in 55 kg category, also for 18 above seniors of same event.
“They’re just new but I believe that their perseverance and passion to karate sport will lead them to something big in the future. With this modest start, I hope that I can help more young Filipino athletes to excel in karatedo,” said Pabillore, a nephew of renowned international karatedo figures Victoria Pabillore and Marna Pabillore as well as his cousin Joey Pabillore, an equally accomplished Southeast Asian Games medalist.