Beyond the cage’ Joshue ‘The Passion’s’ fight for purpose

Sports

 

Laren P. Longbabe

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- As the crowd roars in anticipation, a lone figure stands at the center of the cage, eyes focused, fists clenched, and heart pounding. For Joshua Felix Pacio, a 29-year-old Igorot fighter from Beckel of thisd town, this is more than just a fight. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, unwavering faith, and a journey that began long before he ever stepped into the ring.

Joshua’s path to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was anything but conventional. At 11 years old, he was not an aspiring fighter—he was an obese child simply looking for a way to get fit. Martial arts seemed like the right choice, so he started training in Muay Thai, later shifting to Wushu. By 16, he had discovered his true passion—MMA.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect to become a fighter,” Joshua admits. “At first, I just wanted to lose weight. But when I started competing, I kept losing… yet I loved it anyway.”

What began as a fitness journey soon transformed into an obsession? He wasn’t just training to shed pounds anymore—he was training to win.

For Joshua, the road to becoming a fighter wasn’t easy, especially when it came to his parents’ reactions. His father, Nimrod Pacio, was more supportive from the start but could never attend his live fights due to work abroad. It wasn’t until Joshua’s rise to the international stage that his father had the chance to watch him compete live.

His mother, on the other hand, struggled with the idea of her son stepping into the cage.

“She couldn’t bear to watch me get hurt,” Joshua recalls. “She never watched my fights live, but she supported me in her own way. Over time, she saw how I improved, and eventually, she accepted it.”

Though physically apart at times, his family’s quiet encouragement became one of his greatest strengths.

For Joshua, martial art is more than just a sport—it is a discipline that has shaped his character. “The first thing martial arts teaches you is discipline,” he says. “It has changed my life—my attitude, my mindset, everything.”

But above all, faith remains his foundation.

“I don’t pray to win; I pray for God’s protection and guidance,” he explains. “Victory is a result of hard work and God’s favor, but defeat is part of the journey. If you lose, you reflect, improve, and move forward.”

His strongest opponents are not just the fighters he faces inside the cage but also the mental battles that come with setbacks. Through it all, he remains steadfast in his belief that every challenge has a purpose.

Moreover, balancing academics with training was one of Joshua’s biggest early challenges. As a varsity athlete at the University of the Cordilleras, he juggled daily training sessions with schoolwork.

“It was tough—training twice a day while studying. But my heart was in martial arts so I just enjoy it,’’ he shares.

Another most significant challenge Joshua faced early on was dealing with bashers. As his fame grew, so did the criticisms. For many athletes, negative comments can be discouraging, but Joshua saw it as a sign of progress. Instead of letting criticism affect him, he used it as motivation to work even harder.

“If you have bashers, it means you’re growing and becoming successful,” he said.

As he prepares for his upcoming fight with Jarred Brooks, a formidable opponent from the United States, Joshua remains focused. His mindset going into every fight is —trust in God and execute the game plan. – Laren P. Longbabe is a student of the Benguet State University)

 

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Bumina-ang knocks out Korea’s Jong in MMA Thailand bout

MMA WINNER -- Carlo Bumina-ang (top) bagged a career-defining win at ONE Fight Night 28.

By Hanie Beth Corpuz 

 

Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang achieved a remarkable first-round technical knockout victory against his South Korean opponent Song Min Jong in One Fight Night 28 at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand on Friday evening, February 7, 2025.

    Bumina-ang pummeled his opponent with a flurry of strikes early in the round, prompting the official to stop the fight in just 53 seconds.

    Bumina-angs’ win on Friday marked his strong comeback after suffering a defeat against Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu last August at ONE Fight Night 24.

    Bumina-ang, in his interview with the media, recalled that he began formal training in martial arts in 2017 because of the influence of his brother. At first, he wanted to become a basketball player, but he found his true calling in martial arts.

    Reflecting on his earlier triumphs, Bumina-ang shared he won a silver medal in the Vovinam men’s 65 kg of the 31st Southeast Asian Games at Soc Son Gymnasium in Vietnam in 2022.

    The Cordilleran fighter then brought home a bronze medal in kickboxing when he returned to the Southeast Asian Games in 2023 and continued to shine as he gained a double-gold medal feat at the 2023 Pan-Asian Gi & No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu International Open.

    Bumina-ang resumed his MMA career through the weekly ONE Friday Fights series in 2023, in which he acquired consecutive victories.

    Bumina-ang is currently a part of Team Lakay and now holds 6 wins and 1 loss MMA record. He has gained national recognition as a fighter with unwavering strength.

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PROCor marksmanship shoot-for-a-cause held; Peredo awards winners

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Cordillera Police Regional Office bared winners of the 2nd PRO Cordillera marksmanship enhancement and shoot for a cause here Dec. 27.
    The said shoot fest aimed to raise funds to assist those in need while showcasing skills of participants and gun enthusiasts, the regional police information office said.
    Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. with RAGPTD chairman engineer. Eduardo N. Meneses led awarding ceremony of the event.
    Present during the program were deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Allan; deputy regional director for operations Col. Elmer E. Ragay; chief regional staff Col. Julio S. Lizardo, regional staff, including personnel.

    The awardees received r trophies for winning in categories during the event held at the PRO Cordillera firing range Dec. 14–17.
    For the individual category, command group division, Peredo Jr. garnered first runner-up while Lizardo bagged championship title.
    For individual senior PCO category, the champion was Lt. Col. Samson Kimayong while Col. Damina Olsim was 1st runner-up.
    For Junior PCO category, the champion was Capt. Taggart Bagsiyao while 1st runner-up was Lt. Feberick Talingdan.
    For Individual Senior PNCO category, champion was MSg Jiford Sumcad who was also 2nd runner-up in PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    PEMS Joseph Fakat was 1st runner-up, who also was 3rd runner-up in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    For the Individual Junior PNCO category, champion was SSg Jessie Bustarde, who was also the champion in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division, while the 1st runner-up was awarded to Cpl Kenny Boy Tabayag, who received the same award in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    Special award for PCO Lady Shooter was given to Lt. Col. Nancy Mae Rafale while Capt. Brenda Gupaal was 1st runner-up.
    Capt. Rose Golocan was 2nd runner-up.
    Meanwhile, special award for PNCO Lady Shooter as champion was bestowed on Cpl. Mariefe     Dulnuan, while the 1st runner-up was Cpl. Wendelyn Dibaratun.
    Second runner-up was Pat. Rhea Cabesa.
    For PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division, Cpl. Jason Dingcog of BPPO was 4th runner-up.
    For Team Event Category, the champion was awarded to RLDDD, received by Maj. Jeremiah R. Benito, while 1st runner-up was the ORD-2nd team, whose award was received by Capt. Rodolfo M. Mangay-ayam Jr. while 2nd runner-up was the ROD.
    Award was received by Col. Jeremias G. Oyawon.
    For the PPOs and CPO Division, the champion was Benguet Provincial Police Office whose award was received by Col. Damina Olsim.
    The 1st runner-up was awarded to Ifugao PPO, received by Capt. Garry M. Tumitit.
    The 2nd runner-up was Baguio City Police Office, who award was received by Col. Francisco B. Bulwayan Jr.
    For Mobile Force Division, the champion was Ifugao PMFC whose award was  received by Lt. Col. Samson Kimayong.
    First runner-up was Benguet PPO 2nd PMFC with award received by Lt. Col. Rafael Tayaban.
Second  2nd runner-up was Abra PPO PMFC. Award was received by Lt. Feberick Talingdan.
For RSU Division, champion was CARTC. Award was received by Lt. Col. Nancy Mae Rafael.
First runner-up was RECU-Cordillera with award received by Lt. Jeffrey A. Cabinto.
Second runner-up was RIU14 with award received by Col. Neftaly A. Donato.
    Additional awardees in Production LEA Division were cited.
    Championship was awarded to SSg. Joey Gutierez from HPG while 1st runner-up was JO3 Jess Habiling from BJMP.
    Second 2nd runner-up was Cpl. Marcelino Abellera of Benguet PPO.
    For Senior Production Lady shooter,  champion was PEMS Ave C. Nabunat of Benguet PPO while  Junior Production Lady Shooter champion was Cpl. Wendy Dibaratun of BCPO.
    For Standard LEA, championship was awarded to Lt. Col. Jabar B. Wanna from PRO 1 with 1st runner-up going to JSS Metadio Patting of BJMP.
    Second runner-up was Capt. Taggart B. Bagsiyao of BPPO.
    For Classic LEA, champion was CMS Ruel Lapena, while 1st runner-up was CMS Juval Buacas,
Second runner-up was PEMS Ayti Balcanao.
    For Production Optic Lawman, championship was awarded to SSg. Dave Dalgo. For the R.O. In the match, the champion was awarded to PSMS Miller Villanueva of Benguet PPO while 1st runner-up was awarded to CMS Froilan Wayne Likigan of BCPO.
    The 2nd runner-up was MSg. Gideon Cabfilan of RMFB15.
    A certificate of appreciation was presented to engineer Meneses for his “invaluable contribution and unwavering support and commitment to PRO Cordillera” during the said activity.
 

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Yap helps prepare Benguet athletes for national games

 SPORTS

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Upon learning of their flight, Rep. Eric Go Yap immediately orchestrated a comprehensive support initiative, ensuring that Benguet athletes have the necessary resources to compete at their best in the Batang Pinoy National Games and the Philippine National Games in Pasig City.
    "When I heard of the problems about sending our athletes, hindi tayo pwede mag-turuan, na trabaho dapat ni ganito, or dapat iba yung may responsibility dito. Kapag may kailangan ng tulong, we don’t say yes or no, we should say how and what can I do. These athletes, their parents and coaches are sacrificing, hindi lang para sa pangarap nila, but also para sa probinsya," said Yap.
    Unlike its neighboring city of Baguio, Benguet has only meager resources in sending limited number of athletes in competitions such as Batang Pinoy and the PNG.        
    Yap has arranged for the provision of transportation services for Benguet delegates by providing a coaster that will ferry the delegates from the province to Pasig and back and at the same time, rented 11 vehicles for a day as transport strike has hit Metro Manila on Monday, December 18.    
    The solon is also providing additional meals for the athletes and delegates, and supplying energy drinks to keep the competitors in top form throughout the duration of the events.
    "Kaya binisita natin sila, makita anong sitwasyon nila, kinausap natin yung parents and coaches na nandun, and in our own little ways, tumutulong tayo. Transportation needs, food at magprovide din tayo ng incentives para may dagdag motivation yung mga bata," added Yap.
    Having engaged in discussions with coaches who once wore the same shoes as their proteges, Yap recognizes the echoes of financial strain that resonate through the journey of aspiring athletes saying the lack of adequate financial backing not only affects training and equipment but also hampers the over-all development of potential sports stars.
    "The financial aspect of it has been a perennial problem, I spoke with some of the coaches na they themselves were former athletes, talagang mahirap. Hindi na siya bagong problema.
    Fortunately, ginagawan ng paraan ng local government units natin despite lack of funds. So it should be a collective effort.     There's only so much we can do kaya dapat tulong tulong," Yap said.
    The solon also vowed for substantial incentives—P5,000 for gold medalists, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze.
    These incentives not only serve as a reward for their achievements but also as encouragement for future endeavors, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance among Benguet's budding sports talents.
    Yap also appealed to the organizers of these events to re-think the scheduling of competitions as local government units are also fazed by funding woes.
    "We are also appealing to the PSC, the organizers of this event. Huwag naman sana end of the year nag-oorganize ng ganitong big events. They know for a fact kung gaano kahirap ang pondo ng mga LGUs, at depleted na talaga yan lalo pag patapos na ang taon. And our LGUs are not rich LGUs, unlike big cities and provinces. So kailangan talaga may preparation and proper budgeting para dito. And I heard they (PSC) will give each delegate 600 pesos transportation allowance; I don't think that is enough for a week-long event.  Yung playing venues, sobrang layo sa mga billeting areas. They should make it more systematic and cost-efficient next time," Yap said.
 

 

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1-K Baguio group off to nat’l games Batang Pinoy

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – The city government is sending a delegation of around a thousand, composed of athletes, officials, and medical personnel, to the Philippine National Games (PNG) and the Batang Pinoy set Dec. 17 to 22 in Manila. 
    Gaudencio Gonzales, city sports and development officer, said in a media interview on Thursday, that 992 athletes are joining the two major sporting events -- 622 for Batang Pinoy and 370 for the PNG. 
    “We are 90 percent ready for the events with the athletes well-prepared and continuously having their training for any competition,” he said.
    Close to 14,000 athletes aged 17 and below will vie in the Batang Pinoy while almost 4,000 aged 18 and above are set to showcase their talents in the PNG, according to data from the Philippine Sports Commission.
    The opening ceremony on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila will be graced by 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, both former Batang Pinoy and PNG competitors.
    “This is the first competition after the pandemic and our athletes are all excited to be exposed to the competition,” Gonzales said.
    Gonzales said they were surprised that the two major sporting events were happening at the same time, but assured the city’s athletes are always prepared to compete.
    Gonzales said the city is banking on its regular medal haulers from taekwondo, muay thai, kickboxing, wrestling, arnis and archery. -- PNA 

 

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Bumina-ang seeks to finish Dursan in ONE Fight Night

Expect a toe-to-toe match-up when Team Lakay’s Carlo Von Bumina-ang returns to One Championship’s Fight Night 44 as the he takes on striking specialist Ilyas Dursan on Dec. 8 at the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Both fighters boast a flawless record, having triumphed in all three of their previous professional contests with each man eager to maintain their unblemished record and make a statement in the highly competitive world of mixed martial arts.
    Since earning a hard-earned win in October via a split decision against Denis Andreev, Bumina-ang has been sharpening his skills prior to his penciled bout against the Turkish striker.
    “Carlo has been training since October and we expect a toe-to-toe fight,” said coach Mark Sangiao.
    Known for his calculated aggression and well-rounded skill set, Bumina-ang has swiftly made a mark in the martial arts scene showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend striking with grappling.
    Bumina-ang's three-fight winning streak showcases his versatility as a martial artist from striking, grappling, or sheer mental toughness. The Filipino sensation has proven himself against tough opponents as he aims to continue his ascent to stardom by adding another victory to his flawless record.
    Dursan, meanwhile brings a unique style and relentless determination to the cage and with his unyielding pursuit of victory, combined with a diverse arsenal of techniques, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
    “We were able to check and fix yung mga kulang na nakita natin from his last fight.  We are aiming for a finish this time,” added Sangiao while thanking Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap for his continued support to the team as their manager.
    Headlined by a striking matchup designed for fireworks, ONE Friday Fights 44 offers fans nine intriguing Muay Thai bouts and a trio of MMA contests.
    In the main event, Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri and Ilyas Musaev – two of Muay Thai’s most talented young stars – will go to war as each man hopes to earn a coveted six-figure contract with ONE Championship.
    At just 21 years old, Yod-IQ already owns 117 career victories, including a pair of sensational wins at ONE Friday Fights. While the Thai stumbled in his most recent outing, he’s proven to possess the refined counter-striking and devastating kicking game to compete at the highest level. ###

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Bontoc LGU provides sports equipment to private schools

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Three private schools in this capital town received sports equipment from the Bontoc local government through the Local Youth Development Office Dec. 5.
    The Saint Vincent’s School, Incorporated -High School Department was recipient of two pieces of a soccer ball and one set of goal nets.
    All Saints Mission School and Xijen College received same sports equipment -- a volleyball, basketball and one volleyball net each.
    The items were turned over by Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., to recipients.
    Tudlong urged recipients, especially the students, to make use of the sports equipment to hone their skills in sports.
    He told recipients to take good care of the sports equipment provided to them so more students would benefit from using it.
    Under the Local Government Code, LGUs provide supplementary funding support to public basic education because they have access to sustainable source of financial resources earmarked for basic education subsector, the Special Education Fund.
    Private schools are not covered in this making the Bontoc LGU to also look on needs of private schools in the municipality.
 

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