The Davao City wushu sanda team has made a spectacular comeback at the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships in General Santos City, securing an impressive medal haul that propelled them to second place overall in their discipline.
The team's remarkable performance included three gold medals, one silver, and three bronze medals, marking a significant improvement from their previous standings and contributing substantially to Davao City's third-place overall finish across all sports in the national youth games.
From Fourth to Second: A Coach's Pride
For Coach Nell Jone Astudillo, this achievement represents a complete circle for the team. "We were second overall in 2015, dropped to fourth in 2023, climbed to third last year, and now we're back to second," he shared during a Messenger interview, clearly pleased with his athletes' performance.
Astudillo, working alongside coaches Arniel Barbero and Anthon Villarba, guided a combination of experienced competitors and first-time participants through weeks of intensive training at the King's Sword Martial Arts Center. The coach emphasized that the team's success goes beyond the medals, attributing their victory to divine support and the athletes' dedication.
Young Champions Rise to the Challenge
Among the standout performers was 13-year-old Elyzah Martinez from Mintal Comprehensive High School, who captured gold in the girls' 45kg category for the 12-14 age group. The Grade 8 student began her wushu journey at age 11 after transitioning from arnis, following her mother's encouragement to pursue a sport with more opportunities.
"My mom saw how eager I was," Elyzah recalled. "She told me wushu could open doors — not just in sports but in education." After experiencing early elimination in her first Batang Pinoy last year, she returned stronger and more determined, overcoming her nerves to claim victory for her family, teammates, and Davao City.
Another golden performance came from 17-year-old Lhenshienor Grace Salinas of Tugbok National High School, who treated this year's competition as her "last dance" in youth sports. She fought her way to gold in the girls' 65kg category, defeating a skilled opponent from Baguio City through points.
"I didn't expect to win because my opponents were skilled," Salinas admitted. "But my hard work paid off." The former volleyball and basketball player found her true passion in wushu, describing it as more fun and challenging than her previous sports.
Victory Through Perseverance
Perhaps the most inspiring story came from 16-year-old Llorando Oledan, who secured gold in the boys' 70kg division despite competing with a muscle sprain in his lead leg. The Mintal Comprehensive High School student relied on his hand techniques, determination, and faith to overcome his physical limitations against a taller and faster opponent.
"It wasn't easy," Oledan confessed. "My opponent was taller and faster, but I stayed aggressive and focused. I just kept fighting." For him, wushu has taught valuable life lessons beyond physical combat, including discipline, respect, and humility, with aspirations to someday represent the Philippines internationally.
The team's success extends beyond the medal count, with bronze medalist Ivy Ledama earning selection to the national training pool of the Wushu Federation Philippines alongside fellow Davaoeños Jenifer Kilapio, Vince Dominguiano, Johanna Barbero, and Clarens Villacastin.
As the team concludes another competitive season, their achievements represent more than just victory—they symbolize the growth of young athletes learning that true strength combines power with faith, patience, and the courage to persevere through challenges.
