Davao City clinched four gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze to finish ninth overall at the 2026 PSC Wushu Sanda National Championships, held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. This performance ranks among the city's strongest ever at the national level, reinforcing its reputation as a rising force in Philippine wushu.
Gold Medalists Lead the Charge
The city's gold medalists included Johanna Jeiel Barbero in the adult female 48-kilogram division, Anthon Villarba in adult male 52kg, Clarens Abear Villacastin in adult male 60kg, and Vince Dominguiano in adult male 65kg. Their victories powered Davao past several larger delegations and highlighted the strength of the city's grassroots martial arts program, particularly through King's Sword Davao.
Anthon Villarba: A Journey of Perseverance
For Villarba, a 20-year-old UP Mindanao student from Catalunan Grande, the gold medal represented years of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. His journey began with resistance at home after his mother initially refused to let him join wushu due to fears of injury. However, Villarba persisted, earned his father's support, and climbed from school meets to Davraa, Palarong Pambansa, and now national gold. "Answered prayer gyud ni (This truly is an answered prayer)," Villarba said in a Messenger interview with SunStar Davao. He entered the finals believing victory was already possible through preparation and faith, stating, "Giangkon na nako daan pinaagi sa Ginoo (I already claimed it through the Lord)." His national title completed a steady rise after winning bronze in Palarong Pambansa 2023 and silver in the Philippine National Games later that year.
Johanna Barbero: A Rising Star
Barbero, 18, also stood tall for Davao, capturing her second national wushu championship gold and cementing her place as one of the city's top young fighters. A national athlete from Barangay Ula, Barbero began in karate before fully embracing wushu, training under her father and coach Arniel Barbero. Even during the pandemic, she continued training at home, sharpening the skills that later earned her a spot on Team Philippines. "As a national athlete, expected gyud nga modaog (there is really an expectation to win)," Barbero said. "Pero reminder pud ni nga kinahanglan pa gyud ko mo-ensayo ug maayo (But this also reminds me to train even harder)." Her ultimate goal is to become a world champion and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Vince Dominguiano: From Runner to Champion
Dominguiano, 21, proved another inspiring story for Team Davao. A former runner who shifted to wushu after losing a spot in athletics, Dominguiano discovered not just a new sport but a life-changing discipline. "Dili lang kay techniques akong nakat-onan, apil pud respect, discipline, ug faith (I learned not only techniques, but also respect, discipline, and faith)," he said. He credited his success to God, his family, and King's Sword Davao founder Nell Jone Astudillo, whose mentorship has shaped many of Davao's champions.
Behind the Medal Surge: Support System and International Recognition
Behind Davao's medal surge is a support system that continues to elevate local talent. Astudillo himself recently gained international recognition after being named among the outstanding judges at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China, last March, adding further prestige to Davao's expanding wushu program. Together with coach Arniel Barbero, Astudillo has helped transform Davao into a serious pipeline for national-caliber fighters.
For Davao's medalists, the championship was not just about podium finishes. It reflected years of backyard training, family sacrifices, disciplined preparation, and unwavering faith — the same qualities now pushing Davao City higher in the national wushu landscape.
