Baguio council honors MMA world champs

BAGUIO CITY -- The city of Baguio honored   Cordillera world class mixed martial arts athletes in a “parade of champions” last week. 

The city government held the parade in honor of    Team Lakay’s MMA players who are reigning world champions.

                Feted were two-time ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, ONE Strawweight champion Joshua Pacio, ONE Flyweight Champion Geje Eustaquio, ONE Bantamweight champion Kevin Belingon, Brave Fighting Championship bantamweight champion Stephen Loman.  Joining them were Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao and the first Team Lakay One World Champion Honorio Banario.

They    were paraded at the city thoroughfares and ended at the Malcolm Square where fans were given chance to meet and greet and even take pictures at their local heroes.

After lifting the Philippine flag in the international stage, the city government of Baguio rolls out the red carpet for the best mixed martial arts gym in the country, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said.

“Congratulations to the world champions who did not only win their titles for Baguio City and the Cordillera but for the entire Philippines and Asia as well,” he said. 

“Masayang masaya at nakaka proud, nagpapasalamat kami sa city government of Baguio, sa officials at sa mga fans and supporters na patuloy na nan diyan sumosuporta sa Team Lakay,” Sangiao said.

“Hindi lang ito ang una na pinarada ang champions natin. Ginawa rin nila ito noong nag-champion si Eduard at saka si Joshua recently,” he added.

In his message, Domogan called on the Filipino youth to emulate Team Lakay’s discipline, passion dedication in sports which gave them their championship titles.

He encouraged the youth to veer away from vices such illegal drugs rather they should join not only mixed martial arts but any sport discipline.

                The city government of Baguio also awarded plaques to the Team Lakay athletes and their coach following resolutions made by the city council authored by Councilor Michael Lawana in recognition of the honor the Team Lakay brought to the city of Baguio.

                2018 will go down the record books as a banner year for Team Lakay and Philippine MMA. -- JDP/RMC- PIA