Team Philippines started its bid for redemption on a rousing note as it chalked up 19 gold medals at the start of the 12th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf) World Championships yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.
The memory of its overall title loss still remained with the local contingent and its fighters worked hard to make sure that a repeat will not happen.
The last time Cebu hosted this event, the Philippine team lost by a single gold to the defending champions United States.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the US squad managed just one gold.
Winning gold medals for the country were John Engito (14-17 years old single/double stick traditional), Colin Canete (18-above men’s open), Rhoel Fegara ( 12-13 boys single/double traditional), Kriezel Angguna (12-13 girls single/double traditional) and John Andales (12-13 boys single/double non-traditional).
Also bringing home golds were Chelsea Pableo ((14-17 girls single/double open), Elizabeth Tolosa (18-above womens single traditional), Petra Lawas (18-above single open), Aizel Gannapo (18-above womens double traditional) and Reiniel Gaviola (18-above womens open). Cebu also won the gold in the team synchronized event.
Rounding out the gold rush were Lea Calimto (6-7 single non-traditional), Gian Yuta (8-9 single traditional), Maia Lostanco (8-9 single non-traditional), Emil Elorde (18-above men’s single traditional), Leo Marquez (18-abovemen’s single non-traditional) and Catherine Cuarez (14-17 single girls traditional).
Meanwhile, it was announced during the World Congress on Wednesday at the Amnezia Super Club that the next host of the world championships will be Hungary.
A new president was also elected in Canada’s Laura Holmes.