After finally clinching his first world jiu-jitsu gold medal, Myron Myles Mangubat is setting his sights on an even more meaningful goal — a stronger comeback at the Southeast Asian Games next month, where he hopes to surpass his bronze finish from Cambodia two years ago.
Mangubat reached a career milestone after ruling the Master 1 male -62kg division at the 2025 World Jiu-Jitsu Masters Championships in Bangkok, Thailand — his first-ever world title after 15 years of competing.
With the SEA Games also taking place in Bangkok next month, the 35-year-old national athlete from Pampanga sees his recent triumph as both momentum and motivation.
“Iniisip ko preparation din ‘to for SEA Games, and hopefully Asian Games din next year,” said Mangubat, who also serves as an instructor at Carpe Diem Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Manila, in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas 2.
But beyond personal achievement, Mangubat said his biggest motivation is to inspire others — especially his students.
“Higit sa lahat, gusto ko ring maging inspirasyon sa mga students namin — ‘yun talaga ‘yung biggest thing for me,” he shared.
Achieving the world title was a dream long in the making.
“Since nag-start akong mag-jiu-jitsu, isa na ‘yun sa dream ko — ang maging world champion. Parang nakasulat talaga ‘yun sa goals ko. Ngayon, after 15 years of competing, na-achieve ko na sa wakas.”
It took Mangubat five world championship campaigns to finally stand atop the podium — turning years of frustration, injuries, and perseverance into triumph.
