PAF Sergeant from Ifugao secures ASEAN Games Spot, calls for Cordilleran support

Aguinaldo, Ifugao – A uniformed athlete from Ifugao, particularly from Galonogon, Aguinaldo, has qualified to compete in the upcoming 2027 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Games, as he seeks the support and prayers of fellow kailyans and Cordillerans while representing not only his hometown but also the region on the international stage.

Sergeant Rick Bimmano Maanao, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Isabela State University, has called for earnest support from his kailyans as he prepares for the ASEAN Games scheduled for September 2027.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Sgt. Maanao first thanked his supporters and fellow aspiring athletes, asking for prayers for their safety in upcoming events.

“Salamat sa mga sumusuporta sa amin na mga athletes, at sa mga nangangarap na makapag-represent ng country natin bilang athletes—continue lang. Hinihiling ko rin po na ipagdasal ninyo kami sa mga events namin—na maging safe po kami even now na training and preparations pa lang hanggang sa mismong laro—no matter the result,” he said.

The Uniformed Athlete

Sgt. Maanao shared that being an athlete has led him to where he is today, noting that he has been active in sports since elementary, which eventually brought him to the national team and into the Philippine Air Force (PAF), where he continues to serve as both an athlete and military personnel.

“Ever since elementary ako, athlete na ako—nakakapagdala ako ng karangalan sa mga schools ko hanggang college. Natapos ko rin ang college dahil sa pagiging athlete ko—nakapag-scholarship ako hanggang sa mapasali ako sa national team noong 2011, at sports pa rin ang nagamit ko para makapasok sa PAF,” he recounted.

He added that through sports, he experienced traveling by ship and airplane for the first time and even going abroad, with expenses covered by the government and private sponsors.

After graduating in Criminology, Maanao started his military career as an Airman 2nd Class, later advancing to Airman 1st Class, and now serves as a Sergeant in the PAF. He currently works as the PAF Karatedo Head Coach and competes in local and international tournaments.

He also organizes competitions to prepare PAF athletes for the Philippine Uniformed Services Sports League (PUSSL) — an annual multi-sport competition among the country’s uniformed services.

Sgt. Maanao’s Athletic Journey

Maanao’s achievements go beyond his recent success, reflecting years of dedication and discipline.

From 2011 to 2016, he represented the national team as a player and later served as a coach from 2016 to 2019. He earned his first international bronze medal at the 2014 SEA Karate Federation Tournament in Vietnam, highlighting his success on the global stage.

In January 2024, he secured another bronze medal at the 22nd National International Martial Arts Karate-do Exchange Tournament in Tokyo, Japan.

His latest achievement came during the SEA Games in Thailand held from December 9 to 20, 2025, where he won a bronze medal in Jujitsu under the national PAF team. Prior to this, he also earned a bronze medal at the Fuurikizan National and International Karate-Do Exchange in Tokyo, Japan, on January 19, 2025, serving as a playing coach.

Message to Fellow and Aspiring Young Athletes

Despite citing financial constraints and a previous injury as major challenges, Sgt. Maanao emphasized that focus, consistency, faith, and support can help athletes overcome obstacles. He encouraged young athletes to continue training while balancing their education.

“Biggest challenge sa athletic journey ko ay ang financial aspect. Kahit mahirap ang training, kinakaya natin. Sa mga aspiring athletes, especially sa ating mga kailyans, continue lang sa training—focus and consistency ang susi para magtagumpay. At higit sa lahat, always seek the guidance of God. Siyempre, kailangan din nating mag-aral nang mabuti,” he said.