Manila: Senator Bam Aquino commended the young Filipino karatekas who brought honor to the country at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship and Training Camp held in Hangzhou, China from July 22 to 26, 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino's Senate Resolution No. 580 recognizes the outstanding performances of the Philippine delegation from the Fight Alliance Sports Team-International Shotokan Karate Federation (FAST-ISKF) and Alfonso Karatedo Kobudo Renmei (AAKR) against fellow martial artists from across Asia.
Among those recognized was 9-year-old Romeo Viktor Enriquez of FAST-ISKF, who dominated the Under-10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) category to clinch the gold medal and finished among the Top 5 in the Under-10 Male Kata category in his first international competition.
Enriquez's teammates, 13-year-old Raphael Mariano Herrera, secured his second consecutive bronze medal in the Under-14 Male Kata, while Ripley Tate Borromeo finished among the Top 5 in the Under-12 Female Kata and among the Top 7 in the Under-12 Female Kumite.
Aquino also recognized Ellis Sebastian Canoza and Colin Isaiah Paolo of FAST-ISKF, coached by national team coach and former Karate Pilipinas national team captain Engene Stoner Dagohoy.
'These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes, their coaches, parents, sports organizations, and supporters from both the public and private sectors who continue to nurture and develop young Filipino talent,' said Aquino, who personally extended his congratulations to the young karatekas and their coaches during a meeting.
Aquino emphasized that karate helps instill discipline, perseverance, humility, resilience, and self-confidence among young Filipinos while giving them opportunities to excel on the international stage.
'The success of these young athletes serves as an inspiration to the nation's youth to pursue excellence through hard work and determination, underscoring the importance of sustained support for youth and sports development,' he added.
Wifredo Apellido of AAKR successfully defended his title with back-to-back gold medals in the Under-12 Male Kata and also earned a silver in the Under-12 Male Kumite (-45 kg). The AAKR Karatedo delegation was also represented by Ysabella Arwen Varias.
