Fifteen Filipino fencers earned a total of five bronze medals during the International Regional Circuit held on Jan. 3 to 4 in Guangzhou, marking a significant showing for the Philippines in the 2025-2026 fencing season.
The competition, the second International Regional Circuit organized by USA Fencing this season, drew 362 athletes from 12 countries. Participants competed across the foil, epee, and saber disciplines in categories ranging from Y8 to Junior levels.
Junior Men’s Epee bronze medalist Oscar Gabriel Del Castillo, Cadet Men’s Epee bronze medalist Franco Antonio Pediapco and Junior Women’s Foil bronze medalist Hagia Sophia Del Castillo led the Philippine contingent with their podium finishes. Y8 and Y10 Women’s Saber bronze medalist Allysa Rae Villacin contributed two additional medals to the country’s tally.
Philippine Consulate general consul Jan Michael Gomez attended the event to support the athletes on behalf of Philippine Consulate General Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas.
Gomez said the tournament promotes excellence in sports while fostering friendships and understanding among international youth.
The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou said these types of athletic engagements are vital to its mission of promoting people-to-people exchanges.
Officials noted that such interactions serve as a foundation for building goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.
By participating in the multi-nation event, the fencers represented 100 percent of the Philippine delegation’s effort to build meaningful connections through international sport.
The circuit serves as a primary platform for young fencers to gain international points and experience outside North America.
