Iloilo MVP Gym rules Visayas age-group taekwondo

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo Mark V. Pinggol Taekwondo Gym continued its winning tradition by topping the Visayas Age Group Taekwondo Championships at the Ateneo de Iloilo Gymnasium in Iloilo City on Aug. 7, 2026.

Among 16 competing taekwondo gyms, the Pinggol-mentored jins emerged as tournament champions, raking in 50 gold, 36 silver and 28 bronze medals.

“This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of our athletes, coaches, parents, and the entire MVP family,” Pinggol said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

The stellar outing marked one of MVP’s most dominant regional runs in the past five years, with the gym collecting 114 medals.

At the MVP Dumangas Gym, Nathan Lee Dedal, Amber Gayle Abellar, Merial Ann Detablan, Cleo Alexandria Evangelista and Joannah Donguila spearheaded the gold medal haul.

Meanwhile, the MVP Passi Orozco Training Center was led by Balla Suzanne Orozco, Allannah Jance Palmares, Paternal Leif and Cattaleya Julia Orozco.

Ardah May Barrido and Abby Gaylo Lacanienta represented MVP Barotac Viejo, while medalists from the MVP Megaworld main gym were Dayata Ma. Arabella, Alleinna Nestley Gajasan, Francis Brielle Tan, Gem Margarette Obsequio and Siegfred Go.

Finally, the MVP Guimbal Gym was well represented by Akira Espina Encanto, Zion Harith Gallaza, Yohan Briana Aldaba, Kendal Lo Tuante and Denisse Ann Tabucol.

Also placing in the top 10 were A. Diasnes Gym, Seguiban Taekwondo Gym, VTA Capiz, MTM Taekwondo Academy, Coach Flora Taekwondo, Jocas Taekwondo, BDMA-Team Billones, Sir Obz Taekwondo Gym and Coach Hyra Calinog Taekwondo Gym.

“From training inside the gym to competing on the regional stage, our MVPinians continue to show that hard work, discipline, teamwork, and commitment produce champions,” Pinggol added.

Gracing the event were Grandmaster Sung Chon Hong, known as the father of Philippine taekwondo; PTA Secretary-General Master Rock Samson; and Visayas cluster chairman Master Ricky Santiago.

Also present at the Ateneo de Iloilo Gymnasium were Region 6A chairman Harny Tabuada and Region 7 chairman Tony del Prado.