Baguio jins bag 11 golds, 1 silver in Chicago int’l taekwondo bash

By Isagani S. Liporada

BAGUIO CITY – “While Manny Pacquiao was busy rearranging the face of Mexican Antonio Margarito inTexas, three Baguio warriors likewise toppled their own ‘Goliaths’in Chicago.”

This was posted on Facebook by Canadian Farid Bedwany, who flew from Canada to witness the scintillating performances of three Baguio jins in the 4th Chicago International Winter Taekwondo Games on Nov. 14.

Nine-year old Justin Carl Nacua, 11-year old Patrick Butche, and Baguio Defenders Taekwondo Do Jang and University of Baguio playing-coach Arnold Oglayon each bagged four medals for a total 11-golds and one silver in the international tourney.

These wins, in a field of world-class fighters featuring jins from powerhouses South Korea and United States of America , among others.

Pint-sized UB warrior Nacua went up against taller fighters, his age group drawing first blood for Team Baguio Defenders-Philippines en route to a gold in kyorugi (sparring), proving anew like Pacquiao, speed and skill weigh more than height and weight.

His Ibaloi-powered turning kicks and high flying brain shaking blows were followed by jaw-dropping performance in level 1 freestyle kyukpa (board breaking) and dexterity in the kids’ individual poomse (forms).

Butche on the other hand deceived his opposition proving his weight wasn’t an issue at all, powdering his international opponents with his rugged cheek-shaking whoppers.

While he only mustered silver in level 1 kyukpa, he rebounded with golds in individual poomse and kyorugi.

Nacua is a pupil from UB; Butche, from Berkeley School .

Meantime, coaching phenom Oglayon couldn’t resist international fray, deciding to risk his highland mestizo looks to bring honor to Baguio and the Philippines as a fighter when their plane touched down Chicago.

Oglayon bagged gold mints in seniors’ sparring, individual poomse, and level 4 board-breaking.

Students and master capped their individual exploits ‘becoming one’ in team poomse to capture the team’s final three golds.

The team is flying back to the Philippines today.

Meanwhile in Baguio, “It’s free coffee for everyone,” announced Eric Nacua inside the BDTDJ after his co-parents congratulated him for his son’s accomplishment.

“It was all worth it,” he said adding, “Our sacrifices have reaped us more than their golds. It gave us pride that we are from Baguio, from the Philippines.”

Coffee was the best Eric could offer after spending $4,000 to get his son to Chicago .

“I am glad I believed in foresight,” he added. “I am thankful I believed Oglayon when he said they will bring home the bacon despite being branded underdogs.”