4 Laguna South Gym Players Qualify for US Open. (November 4, 2000)
visit the siteBefore the start selection process, the aspirants were first classified by weight in accordance with international WTF standards. The air was filled with tension and excitement as the candidates for each weight division were subjected to several rounds of sparring, with PTA Vice President Song ChunHong carefully watching. Each individual did their best to impress the coaching staff. After the last entries had finished sparring, the evaluators held a closed-door discussion for almost an hour, as aspirants and parents waited in anticipation. Finally, Ricky Santiago emerged from the office and began calling out the names of those who had made the team. Names were called one by one. After a short pause to silence a noisy crowd, Ricky continued, "Felix Cedillo...." instantly drawing crisp applause from the latter's Father who had been holding his breath for the last hour or so. Eunice Alora was the next Laguna South Gym player to be called, and at the end of the list, the final name was that of Grace Opinion. There was a short lull amidst the cheers and congratulations. Later, Terrence Boteja was also added to the list.
Felix connected early with a series of 45 kicks, while Eunice, Terrence, and Grace clearly outclassed their rivals. However, there were mixed feelings of joy and confusion for the Laguna delegation as Elaine Alora and Micah Ramos, who appeared to have dominated their opponents, were not selected. Diego Navarro also had the misfortune of having the highest number of contenders in the Finweight division. JT Cayton, who missed the event, can still join the provincial tryouts on Nov. 18.
After receiving a series of congratulations, Felix' Father had this to say: "Nadaan sa dasal!!! (I prayed hard!)" In preparation for the U.S. Open, the Philippine team members will be training 3 times a week at the Central Gym.
New Batch of Black belters for Laguna South Gym (October 28, 2000)
Eunice and Elaine Alora, Terrence Boteja, Felix Cedillo, Diego Navarro, Grace Opinion, Edel Parducho, and Mark Ramos each earned their coveted 1st Dan Black Belt last Saturday, October 28, 2000, at the Philippine Taekwondo Association Central Gym in Manila. On the same date, Micah Ramos earned her 2nd Dan Black Belt.
The route was a mixture of forms, knuckle push-ups and lots of sparring for the Laguna lads and lasses. Micah Ramos capped the ceremony with a sharp turning side, breaking a wooden board in a single stride. This drew thunderous cheers and applause from the audience. At 4'6" and a lean frame, the Laguna lass suprised everyone including herself with the sharp kick. "I told her to give it just one turning-sidekick, and to aim well and shout," expressed a visibly proud mentor, Danny Guerrero.
It was indeed a memorable event. On the way home Typhoon "Reming" unleashed its fury rendering much of the highway between Calamba and Los Baños impassible. The Laguna gins had to circle around via San Pablo braving many flooded sections in order to get back home.
Laguna South Gym Black Belt holders:
"Veteran" Black belters:Boys:Black belt newcomers (1st Dan Black Belters):
JT Cayton - 1st Dan
Layl Matba - 1st DanGirls:
Micah Ramos - 2nd DanBoys:
Felix Cedillo
Diego Navarro
Edel Parducho
Mark RamosGirls:
Elaine AloraJr. Men:
Terrence BotejaJr. Women:
Eunice AloraSr. Women:
Grace Opinion
Laguna South Gym Players win 3 Golds, 2 Silvers, and 3 Bronzes in the 2000 Milo Little Olympics (October 14 - 15, 2000)
See photos Czarina Cabuco, Felix Cedillo, and Andre Perez each won a Gold medal in the prestigious Milo Little Olympics last 14 - 15 October 2000 at the Ninoy Aquino Sports Arena in Manila. Layl Matba and Giovanni Pratts settled for the Silver, while Diego Navarro, Mark Ramos, and Reymar Aringo settled for the Bronze
Czarina Cabuco Demolished the opposition in the 5'0"-5'3" Novice Girls' division. It was a sweet victory for Czarina who was denied a chance to compete in the Milo Interschool championship due to a lack of participants in her category.
In the boys 4'9"-5'0" advance division, Felix Cedillo was gifted by a no-show in his first outing, followed by a come-from-behind victory in his second game courtesy of a last second 45 kick which sent his backpedaling rival on his back. After pulling off a close fight in the semifinals, he made a solid 45 connection in the first period of the finals match. In the second round, his frustrated and confused opponent couldn't connect, and again received a 45 kick ensuring Felix of the Gold.
It was a more painful route for Andre Perez, as he was hit several times near the groin. Bucking the pain, he went on to wrest the Gold in the boys advance 4'6" - 4'9" division. "I told him not to show that he was hurt," commented coach Danny Guerrero.
After dominating his opponent in the semifinals, the breaks went the other way for Layl Matba. The first round ended in a draw, but the young lad connected with a turning long to the head. The jury, however, thought otherwise as they awarded the match to Layl's opponent, leaving him with a silver Medal.
Giovanni came out all fired up and displayed an array of kicks to the delight of the Laguna delegation. In the finals, however, he was defeated by a taller opponent. Giovanni still managed to wow his teammates with a spectacular turning-long kick in the last few seconds.
Things were looking good going into the semifinals matches for both Diego Navarro and Mark Ramos. Mark couldn't quite find his range as his opponent out pointed him depriving him of a slot in the finals. On the other hand, with his opponent turning out to be cat-quick, both Diego and Coach Danny were caught by surprise. Diego, likewise was unable to catch a ride to the finals, as both he and Mark each settled for the Bronze in the Boys' 4'3" - 4'6" advance division. Reymar Aringo likewise settled for a Bronze medal in the Jr. Men's division.
"3 Golds, 2 Silvers, and 3 Bronze medals - Not a bad output," commented Danny G., considering that four other teammates, who were part of the Philippine delegation to the Korean open, were discouraged from joining the tournament in order to allow other talents to surface.
Laguna South Gym Players win 3 Golds, 2 Silvers, and 2 Bronzes in the First Makati Invitational Friendship Games (October 1, 2000) Felix Cedillo, Diego Navarro, and Micah Ramos proved too tough for their opponents, winning the Gold in the First Makati Invitational Friendship Games. Miguel Navarro and Layl Matba settled for the Silver, while Edel Parducho and Mark Ramos settled for the BronzeMicah Ramos bucked the pain after getting hit in by a wayward knee in the first round, and went on to overpower her opponent in her first match. In her second match, she received an illegal blow to the face. She again ignored the pain and avoided getting too close as she peppered her opponent with an array of kicks. In the finals, she out pointed former teammate Sandy Chua to win the Gold.
Diego Navarro disposed of his opponents and defeated teammate Mark Ramos in the semifinals. In the finals, he faced a taller and heavier opponent. Diego had some difficulty hitting his target, until the second round where he connected with 3 consecutive ax kicks, giving him a clear victory over his opponent. Mark Ramos took a bronze in the same height division.
Felix Cedillo disposed of his first opponent, then beat fellow teammate Edel Parducho in the semi-final match en route to the Finals. After the first period ended in a draw, his opponent seemed headed for an upset, until Felix finally connected with a round house late in the second round. The referee gave a mandatory eight count, just as the match ended, giving the victory to Felix. Edel Parducho settled for the bronze in the same category.
Layl Matba, disposed of his opponents in the preliminary rounds. In the finals, he clearly connected solidly, with his teary-eyed opponent ready to quit in the second round. However, his opponent was declared the winner, giving Layl the Silver medal.
Miggy Navarro, played well in his preliminary matches, but lost a close finals match, settling for the silver medal.
Laguna South Gym Players win 2 Golds, 4 Silvers, and 6 Bronzes in Milo National Interschool Championships. (September 10, 2000)
See photos Eunice Alora continued her Gold run, once again defeating her younger sister, Elaine, in the Finals of the 4'9" - 5'0" Advanced Elementary Girls' category. The Alora sisters easily disposed of their opponents before barging into the finals against each other. John-Rey Perez, came back with a vengeance, using his vaunted array of kicks and "dance moves", proving too tough for all his opponents en route to a Gold in the 4'6" - 4'9" Boys Advanced division.
JT Cayton settled for a Silver against Juan Miguel Fabi of Batangas in the 5'0" - 5'3" Boys Black belt division. Diego Navarro kicked his way to the finals of the Advanced Boys' 4'3" - 4'6" division. The finals match ended in a draw, but his opponent was awarded the decision giving Diego a silver finish. Abba Caton likewise win a silver medal in the 4'9" - 5'0" Novice Girls' division. Winning bronze medals were Micah Ramos (Black belt Girls' 4'6" - 4'9"), Chamcham Lincod (Novice Girls' 4'3" - 4'6"), Reymar Aringo (Jrs Bantamweight), and Grace Opinion (Jrs). Newcomers Jessica (Novice Girls' 4'0" - 4'3"), Jakee Yecyec (Novice Girls' below 4'0"), both won bronze medals.
9 Laguna South Gym Players Qualify for the Philippine Taekwondo Contingent (PTC). (September 3, 2000) Laguna South Gym players weathered two grueling hours of running, sprinting and kicking around the Rizal Oval followed by several rounds of sparring before finally qualifying for the PTC. The following players were among those personally chosen by Song Chun Hong:PTC Juniors Batch 3:The laguna players went through a pre evaluation training which paid off as they showed great stamina during the stint at the oval. "Kung sa takbuhan lang, malakas ang mga bata natin!" commented trainer/coach Danny Guerrero. For the young players, the fun has just begun. They will now undergo more intense training in Manila every weekend. The new kids on the block join last year's qualifiers and fellow Laguna South Gym teammates Eunice and Elaine Alora, Grace Opinion, and Terrence BotejaReymar AringoPTC Elementary Batch 2:
Greg PerezCzarina Cabuco
Joseph "JT" Cayton
Felix Cedillo
Layl Matba
Diego Navarro
Micah Ramos
Mark Ramos
MILO 23rd National Championships: Eunice Alora powers Laguna South Gym to the Girls Overall Crown. Eunice Alora continues Gold rush.
Laguna South Gym girls won 1 Gold, 2 Silvers and a Bronze, enough to win the overall team trophy in the Elementary Girls division. Medals came courtesy of Eunice Alora -Gold, Elaine Alora and Charmaine "Cham-cham" Lincod-Silver, and Abba Caton -Bronze. As expected, Eunice outclassed her opponents in the preliminary matches. Her semifinal match turned out to be a rematch against her cousin Lovely Lou, whom she had previously defeated in the Korean Open. An early ax kick connected solidly in the first round, then she kept up the pressure, including a smacking stepping 45 kick, paving her way to the finals. In the finals she defeated her sister Elaine for the Gold. Elaine likewise outclassed her opponents before the finals match.Laguna South Gym Newcomers Shine.
Yellow belters Cham-cham Lincod and Abba Caton both performed impressively, winning a Silver and Bronze medal, respectvely. Unfazed by the high level of competition and higher belts, Cham-cham, the tiny lass from the town of Bay, aggressively attacked her opponents. In her semifinal match, her baffled black belt opponent found herself backing away most of the match. Perhaps it was nerves, or exhaustion, but the feisty lass seemed to have lost a little steam in the finals, bowing to a more experienced opponent. Meanwhile, Abba convincingly disposed of her opponents up to the quarterfinals before bowing to teammate sensation Elaine Alora in the Semifinals to settle for the Bronze. The two lasses performed outstandingly considering it was their first participation in a national event.Laguna Boys: "We'll be back!"
For the first time, the laguna boys, failed to win a medal in the Elementary division. Diego Navarro, sailed through rough waters, including a miscommunication which almost nullified a previous win, then lost a close fight in his third match, closing the door on the boys team's medal hopes. Earlier, JT Cayton lost a controversial 3rd match, sparking an appeal to review the match by the Laguna camp. The decision, however, was upheld. In the 4'9" to 5'0" division, Felix Cedillo's second match ended in a scoreless draw, but his opponent was awarded the victory. Although Felix had hit his target several times, none of the hits were solid enough to convince the scorers. His opponent, though unable to connect, won because he was the aggressor for most of the match, and eventually went on to capture the Gold. Early casualty was Andre Perez who was slowed down by cramps and a painful blow to the thigh, bowing out in his initial match. The boys, however, will surely bounce back with a vengeance in the coming competitions.Laguna Top Junior seeds upset, settle for a Bronze and Silver finish.
Grace Opinion lost her semifinal match while Terrence Boteja was upset in the finals settling for the Bronze and Silver, respectively. After an impressive string of victories en route to the finals, Terrence lost the match where his opponent was helped by a crowd of supporters cheering him on. Meanwhile, Reymar Aringo and Greg Perez lost in their 3rd outings.
Eunice Alora strikes Gold in Korean Open - Laguna South Gym players shine as Philippines captures overall elementary title. Eunice Alora strikes Gold.
Laguna South Gym players captured 4 medals lead by Eunice Alora who won the Gold. Terrence Boteja and Grace Opinion added Silver medals, while JT Cayton brought home a Bronze.Eunice Alora, defeated a fellow Filipina to capture the Gold medal in the prestigious international event. Things were not easy from the start. During her third match she pulled out a very close fight against her highly favored cousin Lovely Lou, also of the Philippines. It was relatively smooth sailing from then on as the 12-year-old lass from Biñan, Laguna went on to capture the Gold medal.
Grace Opinion and Terrence Boteja both won Silver medals. Terrence battled with four very tough Koreans but settled for the Silver medal in the High School division. It was a very close match (during the finals), and could have gone either way. However the kid from San Pedro, showed a great fighting heart which earned him the respect of many coaches and players alike. Grace, on the other hand bowed to an Australian lass to settle for the runner-up honors. Terrence and Grace wowed the crowd as many felt that they had won their respective finals matches.
JT Cayton salvaged a bronze medal after defeating tough fighters from Russia and the United States before losing to a teammate from the Philippines during the quarterfinals.
Micah Ramos got unlucky draws as she faced 2 male opponents. She defeated her opponent from China in the first match but bowed out to a tough boy from Russia in the second match. Elaine Alora, on the other hand was beaten by a fellow Filipina in her opening match taking her out of the medal race.
Philippine Elementary team prevails over rivals.
The Philippines captured the overall crown in elementary, beating the highly favored hosts, South Korea, for the title. Two other Filipino fighters plus Eunice Alora gave the Philippines a total of three golds enough for first place.Philippine team shines in the 56-nation tournament.
From the beginning, South Korea was expected to win the overall crown in the their home turf. Being the originators of the sport, the Koreans indeed captured the overall title in the high school division. Yet amidst the 56 nations competing in the tournament which included teams form the United States, Russia, China and Taiwan, the fighters from the Philippine stood out. "There was even a point where all three courts were filled with Filipinos all vying for a Gold, " narrated an excited FIlipino spectator. To the surprise of many participants, the Philippines captured the overall crown in the elementary division. In the high school division, despite their failure to win a Gold, Filipino fighters Terrence Boteja and Grace Opinion captured the hearts of the crowd with most of the non-Korean spectators cheering for the two. The finals matches which was televised live and simultaneously broadcast on a large screen inside the arena more often focused in on the Filipinos. Many of them jeered when kicks coming from the Filipinos failed to register points on the electronic scoreboard. Some even booed when the final decision was announced as many felt that the Filipinos deserved the victory. There was no doubt that the Philippines clearly stood out among the 55 non-Korean nations, and the fact that we won the Elementary crown serves as a message that the future looks even brighter.Laguna South Gym players bring home honors.
Six of the players from the Philippines are members of the Laguna South Gym team, with four players (Eunice Alora - Gold, Terrence Boteja - Silver, Grace Opinion - Silver, and JT Cayton - Bronze) earning medals. Laguna Sports coordinator, Vic Sanchez, who witnessed the events, was very much impressed with the performance of his constituents and is proud of the way the Filipinos handled their opponents. The gutsy Filipino fighters showed that they are truly world class and a force to reckon with in Taekwondo. Indeed these young boys and girls have definitely delivered a clear message to the rest of the world in this Martial Art Sport which is fast-growing in popularity: we are contenders and we mean business.See story featured on the Philippine Star Newspaper 9 Aug. 2000.
Philippine National Youth Games: Laguna South Gym team settles for second as Batangas dominates field The Laguna South Gym team earned 5 Golds, 4 Silvers and 5 Bronzes to settle for second behind Batangas. Micah Ramos, Elaine and Eunice Alora, and Andre Perez got the golds in the Elementary division while Terrence Boteja added another gold for in the High School division. Settling for the Silver medals were Mark Ramos, Diego Navarro, and JT Cayton for the elemantary division and Greg Perez for the High school division. Bronze medals in the elemantary division went to Layl Matba, Felix Cedillo, Edel Parducho, and Czarina Cabuco. In the high school division RJ Alvarado and Reymar Aringo also earned Bronze medals. The Laguna South Gym is composed mainly of players enrolled at the MariGym Fitness Center, loacated at 10961 Kanluran St., within the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The Taekwondo championships were held in Paete, Laguna, home of the famous Philippine wood carvers.
Laguna South Gym STRAA Gold medalists leave for Korea Eunice and Elaine Alora, Micah Ramos, and JT Cayton leave today for South Korea. They will be competing in the 3rd International Chung-cheong Taekwondo Korea Open. The event will take place at Chung-ju on 13 - 15 July 2000.
Laguna South Gym STRAA Gold medalists prepare for Korean Open The Laguna South Gym Gold medalists in the last Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association (STRAA) championships are now training for their next assignment - the Korean Open. Sisters Eunice and Elaine Alora, Micah Ramos, and JT Cayton are undergoing intense training hoping to fair well in the September tournament.
Philippine National Youth Games: Laguna South Gym team settles for second as Batangas dominates field The Laguna South Gym team earned 5 Golds, 4 Silvers and 5 Bronzes to settle for second behind Batangas. Micah Ramos, Elaine and Eunice Alora, and Andre Perez got the golds in the Elementary division while Terrence Boteja added another gold for in the High School division. Settling for the Silver medals were Mark Ramos, Diego Navarro, and JT Cayton for the elemantary division and Greg Perez for the High school division. Bronze medals in the elemantary division went to Layl Matba, Felix Cedillo, Edel Parducho, and Czarina Cabuco. In the high school division RJ Alvarado and Reymar Aringo also earned Bronze medals. The Laguna South Gym is composed mainly of players enrolled at the MariGym Fitness Center, loacated at 10961 Kanluran St., within the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The Taekwondo championships were held in Paete, Laguna, home of the famous Philippine wood carvers.
Laguna gins gear up for Philippine National Youth Games The Laguna team is gearing up for the 1st National Youth Games to be held at the San Luis Memorial Sports Center, in Laguna's Provincial Capital of Sta. Cruz. Lead by recent Palarong Pambansa Gold medalists Eunice Alora and Micah Ramos, the Laguna high kickers are expected to give their oponents a run for their money.
Czarina Cabuco captures Gold, while Sandy Chua gets Bronze during the Milo National "All-Womens" Taekwondo championships Czarina Cabuco fought a gutsy match as she proved too tough for all her oponents in the 5'0" and above elementary girls height category. Sandy Chua also earned a bronze medal in the 4'3" - 4'6" category.
Micah Ramos and Eunice Alora Capture Gold medals at the Palarong Pambansa Micah Ramos and Eunice Alora both kicked their way to capture Gold medals in the Palarong Pambansa held at Bacolod City. Micah (4'3" - 4'6" Category) and Eunice (4'9" - 5'0") topped their oponents in the Elementary girls division. Their victories along with another gold via a gutsy Puerto Princesa player, earned them the Taekwondo Elementary girls overall title for the Southern Tagalog Region. Strict rules on height measurements worked against the Laguna team as Eunice's younger sister, Elaine was found to be 1/8 of an inch too tall. Elaine was considered as one of the top seeds in the tournament. Taekwondo mentor Danny Guerrero was extremely proud of his students' performance. "JT got a bad draw and his first fight was seeded with one of the top contenders," commented the former National Team member " Unfortunately for Elaine is that she was found over her height limit, I think she would've been a sure 'gold'," he added. Nevertheless, Danny Guerrero is raring to go on with his next competition; the Philippine National Youth Games to be held this June at Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
Andre Perez captures the Gold while Sandy Chua bags bronze in the Milo sponsored "New Face" competition John Ray (Andre) Perez outclassed his oponents in the Milo "New Face" competition en route to a Gold medal in the elementary boy's Novice division in the 4'3" to 4'6" height category. Sandy Chua bagged a bronze medal, also in the Novice division of the same height category of the elementary girls division.
Laguna province retains STRAA overall title, as the Taekwondo provincial team bags 5 Golds, 3 Silvers, and 6 Bronzes in tough STRAA meet. Laguna faced stiff competition in the clean tropical city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. In the Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association (STRAA), the Taekwondo team was faced with some controversial decisions made by some officials, which greatly affected the morale of the players. Amidst the disqualification of 2 players and a restriction made on Provincial coach, Danny Guerrero, the Laguna kickers fought on, proving that they are still a rich source of medals for Laguna.Laguna pulled off a hard-fought victory in Baseball against host Palawan which turned out to be the decisive game that assured the province of a repeat of the overall title. Had Palawan won, they would've had a chance to steal the championship away from Laguna.
STRAA 1999-2000 Team members and their respective medals:
Category Name Municipality Medal Elementary Boys 4'0" - 4'3" Diego Navarro Los Baños Bronze 4'3" - 4'6" Andre Perez Sta. Rosa 4'6" - 4'9" Felix Cedillo Los Baños Bronze 4'9" - 5'0" Rolly Candelario Los Baños Bronze 5'0" above J.T. Cayton Los Baños Gold Girls 4'0" - 4'3" Sandy Chua Biñan 4'3" - 4'6" Micah Ramos Los Baños Gold 4'6" - 4'9" Elaine Alora Biñan Gold 4'9" - 5'0" Eunice Alora Biñan Gold 5'0" above Czarina Cabuco Biñan Silver High School Boys Fin (<50 kg) Greg Perez Sta. Rosa Silver Fly
(<54 kg)Monchito Bautista Los Baños Silver Bantam
(<58 kg)Giovanni Biñan Feather
(<64 kg)Joel Nagcarlan Bronze Light
(<70 kg)Terrence Boteja San Pedro Welter
(<76 kg)Tomas Cabagay Los Baños Girls Fin (<43 kg) Lovely Lou Biñan Gold Fly
(<47 kg)Lilet Sta. Cruz Bronze Bantam
(<51 kg)Feather
(<55 kg)April Sta. Cruz Light
(<60 kg)Welter
(<65 kg)Coaches:
Danny Guerrro
Jopet Lobusta
