Baguio toasts MMA fighters’ victories

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city government toasted the victories of its local athletes in recent international and national competitions.

The city council approved on Monday resolutions of commendation to the Team Lakay mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters led by lightweight world champion Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang for a sweep of the “ONE: Kings of Destiny championship held April 21 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Folayang successfully defended his title by a unanimous decision after five rounds of intense action over Malaysian Ev Ting in the main event while his teammates also lorded it over their respective opponents.

Bantamweight Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, defeated Finnish Toni “Dynamite” Tauru by submission (verbal Tapout) at 2:27 minutes of round 1; Lightweight Honorio “The Rock” Banario defeated Czech Jaroslav Jartim by Knockout at 1:31 minutes of round 2; Flyweight Danny “The King” Kingad defeated Malaysian Muhammad Aiman by unanimous decision after 3 rounds; and Women’s Atomweight Gina “Conviction” Iniong defeated Filipino-English Natalie Gonzales Hills by unanimous decision after 3 rounds.

Arrangements are being made for a victory parade to honor the fighters.

In Resolution No. 141 series of 2017, the body hailed their feat saying it brought great pride to the city and the Cordillera region.

“The agility, strength, endurance and discipline that the Team Lakay Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters displayed are remarkable and proof that Filipinos particularly the Cordillerans are born to conquer every field of sport the world has,” the resolution noted.

“The officialdom of the City of Baguio recognizes the dedication of Team Lakay Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters for the glory they earned. It is a pride of the whole Cordillera and it serves as a constant reminder that Filipinos most specially the Cordillerans are born to win;

“The victories of Team Lakay Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters deserve commendation for bringing glory and pride to their families, the country and the City of Baguio as well and for making their mark in the field of Mixed Martial Arts internationally.”  

In another move, the body approved Resolution No. 140 citing young archers Albert Gambican, Mitzi Mae Tabayag, Denny Hanz Binhaon, Darick Faroden and their coach Franklin Espiritu for winning three gold medals and one silver medal in the Manila Polo Club-Boysen Archery Invitational Tournament held at Manila Polo Club, Makati City last March participated in by bowmen from various provinces in Luzon.

Ten-year old Gambican, eight-year old Darick Faroden of Dominican-Mirador Elementary School, 12-year old Mitzi Mae Tabayag of Saint Louis University-Laboratory Elementary School and Denny Hanz Binhaon delivered the medal haul.

“Their impressive achievement brought pride and honor not only to their families but also to the City of Baguio having been placed in the glare of publicity once again,” the resolution noted.