THE Philippine kickboxing team made a strong impression in its debut at the WAKO Senior World Championships, bagging two bronze medals in the elite global tournament held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jovan Medallo spearheaded the country’s campaign with a podium finish in the Male Musical Form Hard Style category. The Filipino standout delivered a precise and high-energy performance that earned 46.7 points—good for the bronze medal.
He placed behind Italy’s Edoardo Francesco Boscolo, who ruled the event with 49 points, and the United States’ Rashad Eugene, who claimed silver with 48.5.
In ring action, Gretel De Paz added to the Philippines’ medal tally after clinching bronze in the Low Kick Senior Female -52kg division. De Paz opened her campaign on a high note, dominating Portugal’s Julia Carlini Dornelas with a convincing 3–0 sweep in the quarterfinals.
Her run ended in the semifinals against France’s Lyndsey Thomas, who ultimately captured the gold medal. Croatia’s Andelina Videc took home the silver.
De Paz previously won gold in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
