Cebuana makes the grade in Vietnamese martial art
Cebuana martial artist Kirstine Hope C. Baguio made her debut on the international stage a memorable one after bagging the country’s first gold medal in the 5th Southeast Asian Vovinam Championships last August 7-12 in Nya Pyi Daw, Myanmar.
The 21-year-old Baguio, who hails from Barangay Gun-ob in Lapu-Lapu City, snared gold in the women’s Thap Tu Quyen (forms) category after besting seven other entries. She also got bronze in the women’s 54 kgs. Doi Khang (Full Contact fighting), and finished fifth in the Long Ho Quyen (performance).
“Kulba gyud kaayo after sa akong performance. Uncomfortable kaayo sa feeling dili ko halos ganahan motan-aw sa akong mga videos . Ing-ani siguro ang feeling basta first international game nimo kay usually local rako kutob ug wala ko mag expect nga maka compete ko internationally,” said Baguio, who dedicates her success to her family, relatives, friends and to the officials of Barangay Gun-ob who extended financial support to her team.
Another Cebuano Cedric Ho Bolneo, a yellow belter in the sport, bagged silver medal in the men’s 72 kgs. Doi Khang category.
“It was an amazing experience and all our sacrifices were all worth it. And with the guidance of our coach during our trainings, we were able to achieve this,” said the 30-year-old Bolneo, who was a former head security at The FREEMAN.
The all Cebuano three-man Philippine team led by coach
Jasper Movilla prepared for almost seven months for the competition.
JUGGLING WORK
AND PASSION
Baguio, a former State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) regional and national champion in pencak Silat representing the Cebu Technological University, said that she waited for this moment for two years.
The blue belter with three stripes, who is now working as a finance staff in a food processing company, manages her time in training and work together to achieve her dreams.
“Actually, once a week rami magkita ni sir Jasper kay tungod sa amo work and schedule. After work, mag self training ko from Monday to Saturday sa Abellana (Cebu City Sports Center), sometimes sa Hoopsdome. Sa Sunday ra ma ka-train si sir Jasper namo,” said Baguio. “Usahay kapoy labi na ikaw ra isa wala kay lain kauban sa training ug sometimes mag-think ko ngano’ng nisulod ko’g martial arts nga nag kapoy-kapoy lang ko’s akong lawas... I started as an athlete since elementary pa up until now, and I realized lisod kaayo buhian imong passion.”
Vovinam is a Vietnamese martial art which involves grappling, unarmed combat and weapons training. Founded by Master Nguyen Loc in 1938, it has become the national martial art and sport of Vietnam. It is widely practiced in Europe, Africa and some Asian countries. Vovinam is a Southeast Asian (SEA) Games sport but it is not yet recognized as an Olympic sport.
Although Vovinam is not yet that popular in the Philippines, Baguio finds the sport very unique that sparked her interest into it.
“For me, Vovinam is very unique. Especially when it comes to to the performance category that’s why I fell into it.”
Interestingly, the first Vovinam school in the Philippines was established here in Cebu City and is supervised by Master Quy Tran, a Filipino-Vietnamese Vovinam expert.
This is the first time that the Philippines took part in the event and Baguio and Bolneo were the country’s first representatives as it made its debut in the competition which was participated in by Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Cambodia.
SEEKING SUPPORT
For Baguio and Bolneo, their recent feat was just the beginning but they can’t go further without support. The two athletes wishes support from the local authority to assist them financially as they plan to compete in more international competitions.
“Hopefully, matagaan mi og sponsor sa local government if naa mi international games. As of now amoa g’yud ang gasto,” said Baguio.
After their successful stint in Myanmar, the team will continue with their practice as they gear up for the 2019 Vovinam World Championships.