Mt. Province fighters enter as underdogs, exit with 13 National Kickboxing Medals

FEATURE

It was their first time joining the National Kickboxing Championship, but Mt. Province’s D’ Phenomenons Combat Team showed an impressive performance after bringing home a total of 13 medals.

Held from May 4-10, 2026, at the Tagaytay City Sports Complex, said prestigious event was participated in by more than 1,000 young fighters from around the country who demonstrated exceptional skills, discipline, grit, and sportsmanship.

Coming in as first-time kickboxing competitors, as they are more known in Muay Thai, the Bontoc-based squad still managed to excel in the national event, collecting medals in both math and ring divisions.

In the mat style, Arnel Adreanne Tangilag secured the team’s first gold after ruling the point fighting kickboxing category. Two silvers in the same division were added by Jordan Ace Fagyan and Judah Paul.

Fagyan won another silver medal in kick light kickboxing, while James Ryan Te-elan, Charles Drake Afali, and Hannah Wyaneth Rebolledo each secured bronze finishes.

In ring-style competition, Erwin Josh Baltao secured the team’s second gold medal after dominating the Full Contact Kickboxing division.Under the same category, Ivan Ray Sagoco clinched silver, while Kane Maki Bagawi and Rubilyn Palangeo earned silver medals in the Low Kick Boxing division. Joshua Fochad contributed a bronze medal finish.

Overall, the team hauled 2 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

Several other athletes were also recognized for representing Mt. Province and for showcasing strong performance during the event. They are Marwin Ronquillo, Tychecus Caasi, Rheigne Falluyan, Alyssa Magkachi, Japesan Fagkas, Reagan Calsiman, Gaius Gamotlong, and E-Jay Sia-ed.

Notably, Bagawi and Fagyan were selected to represent Team Cordillera for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan Del Sur, Mindanao.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Coach Darwin Padchonga described the team’s success as proof that athletes from the highlands are capable of competing on the national stage.

“I am incredibly proud of our national kickboxing debut. Securing 2 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals is a true testament to our team's dedication, hard work, and belief. Because our background is primarily in national Muay Thai, we entered this competition as complete underdogs. Despite this, our athletes successfully stood toe-to-toe with the nation's best in a massive field of over 1,000 fighters. This historic achievement proves that Mountain Province holds an abundance of raw talent and future champions in the field of combat sports,” Padchonga relayed.

Meanwhile, Bagawi credited his success to Padchonga, who helped him stay mentally and physically strong despite the injuries and pressure he faced during his fight.

According to him, he also drew inspiration from boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who said, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."