BAGUIO CITY — City officials recently congratulated and commended Baguio’s pride Islay Erika Asiong Bomogao, the first Filipina female Muay Thai world champion, for winning the 45-kilogram Domination 30 bout against Sarah Kwa, Muay Thai State champion of Australia, held, Kenwick, Western Australia last August 10, 2024. Erika Bomogao is now ranked No. 1 worldwide by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) in her division. In a resolution authored by Councilor Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda, local legislators stated that Islay made history as the first Filipina female Muay Thai fighter to become a world champion, thus, the city government felicitates with her as she reaps success and distinguishes herself as an outstanding female athlete achiever, proudly waving the city’s flag, the place of vibrant culture with inspiring landscape supportive of sports activities. At present, Islay is now ranked No. 1 worldwide by the international federation of Muay Thai Associations in the 45-kilogram division. Earlier, Bomogao was proclaimed the winner over Sarah Kwan, Muay Thai State champion of Australia, in the 45-kilogram Domination 30 bout held last August 10, 2024 at Kenwick, Western Australia. Born and bred in Baguio City, the young veteran in the international Muay Thai competitions is the first Filipina Muay Thai world champion. In 2023, Bomogao won the gold medal in the World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand held last May 3-14, 2023. She likewise won the silver medal in the women’s Wai Kru event 2023 World Combat Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last October 20-30, 2023.  Further, the local female combat fighter competed in Greece in July 2024 for the World Muay Thai championships also by IFMA and settled for bronze in the combat 45-kilogram division and one silver each in the Muay Thai and Wai Kru events. In 2017, she bagged the gold medal in the 1st World martial Arts Masterships in Incheon, South Korea. Among her other medals are two silver medals during the 2019 East Asian Muay Thai championships; two gold medals and one bronze medal in the 2021 IFMA World Muay Thai championships. She was also declared a champion in the 45-kilogram combat senior division, one silver medal in the individual Wai Kru and was awarded as Best Senior Female Nak Muay in the 2022 Philippine National Muay Thai championships. The council pointed out that all the honors and accolades earned by Bomogao exhibited a high degree of standards of a female athlete and brought high honors not only for herself and her family but also to the city and the Cordillera and of the entire nation. Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to Bomogao for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, also recently sent a message of congratulations, recognizing the skill and success of Erika Bomogao, who brought great honor, not only to the city of Baguio, but to the entire country.

Alfonsi Daquigan Shine with 13th Overall Position The recent Asia Road Racing Championship was another proud moment as young racer contender Alfonsi Daquigan made waves atthe Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit Indonesia as he battled out and finished strong at 13th overall position.  A very talented young rider by Honda, Alfonsi debuted his motorcycle racing career at a young age. He is a standout on the track for his speed and agility, rides with effortless grace and accuracy while being assertive when passing rivals. “It’s always a privilege to compete and battling it out with some of the finest young racers. I’m also grateful to my Honda family for providing all the necessary training, support, and encouragement. Our hard work truly pays off.” The beginning of the race was a bit of a struggle, but Daquigan emerged as a strong contender with his fastest lap time at 1:49552 as he showcased a thrilling performance and made a strong finish as the 13th winner among 35 racers, while holding his position calmly despite the strong competition internationally.Daquigan has been actively racing both locally and internationally, with Super Sports Bike GP Super Super Sports 200 GP Race Category MotoIR Championship at the Tarlac Circuit Hill as one of his recent triumphs. For Honda’s Adviser for Motorsports Hitoshi Ito, the strong collaboration with SDG Team HARC-PRO aims to challenge young Filipino talents with promising potential in motorcycle racing. Moreover, the participation at the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is a concrete step in Honda’s efforts to advance motorsport in the country. “Daquigan’s affluence of international racing experience paved the way for him to enter the realm of professional motorcycle racing. Through Honda’s motorsports training and racing programs, we can identify and nurture young talents like him, providing them with professional training,” adds Ito. “Alfonsi” known by the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) young talented riders, and with Honda  providing necessary tools and resources that will make them better racers in the future both locally and internationally. “We continue to work hand in hand to produce more young Filipino racers who are passionate about racing, continuing to show camaraderie and sportsmanship, ready to compete at higher levels,” concludes Ito.                

Carlos Yulo has rewritten history after handing the Philippines its second straight GOLD MEDAL at the Olympic Games Paris 2024! Courtesy from Go Sports page

Hergie Bacyadan, a native of Taloctoc, Tanudan, Kalinga, joins the Philippine  Olympians during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Hergie is among the five boxers who will represent the Philippines at the Paris Olympics. Let us support our kailian, fellow Cordillera from the province of Kalinga! [Hergie Bacyadan fb]