The modern-day protagonists of combat sports in Team Lakay look back on real-life heroes in the commemoration of the Philippines’ 122nd year of independence.
On 12 June, the country celebrated Independence Day and the biggest stars of ONE Championship pay tribute to our national heroes.
“Andres Bonifacio is my hero—he’s courageous, he’s a warrior, and he started the revolution for the freedom of the Philippines,” former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon said.
“He wasn’t just behind the scenes and pulling the strings, he was on the front line of the revolution. Bonifacio became a hero by fighting for the freedom of our country. As an athlete, I try to honor him.”
Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio looks highly on a certain diminutive general who stood against the Americans in the Philippine–American war of the late 1800s.
“My favorite hero is Gregorio Del Pilar. I found this hero great in terms of his strategies and brilliant moves on the field of battle,” he said.
“I honor him with my way of fighting. I make sure to have a strategy, the capability to adapt and adjust in every situation during competition, and to make sure to bring a brilliant game plan to overcome my opponent.”
Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, on the other hand, does not have one specific hero in mind, but when it comes to the revolution, he believes collaboration works.
“I thought Dr. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio complimented each other really well,” Folayang said.
“It only boosted the feeling of patriotism for the country. Jose Rizal was an intellectual and Andres Bonifacio was more on the application. I honor them by doing my part in representing my country well and to inspire others.”
To commemorate the Philippine Independence Day, ONE Championship has released exclusive merchandise donning the country’s colors. Check out ONE.SHOP for the fresh drops.