Fighting at the national level requires stronger motivation. To Richard “Popoy” Mah Deligero, “Motivation jud nako ana kay ang mga tao na gatuo sa akoa na maka uli ko og medal” (My motivation was the people who believed in me bringing home a medal).
Deligero, a JMarian Bachelor of Science in Criminology student, is part of the Davao City’s Wushu Team that bagged two gold medals, three silvers, and three bronzes at the close of the 2023 Philippine National Games wushu competition in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Another JMarian who also bagged a bronze medal is Johnyza Duran. According to her, “Being a member of the Davao Wushu winning squad is an experience that goes above and beyond personal accomplishment.”
“It is a group victory that speaks to me about the importance of self-control, commitment, and the unbreakable spirit of martial arts,” she added.
Duran shared that even though she was “under pressure and anxious” before the game, she was still happy that all of her pieces of training, sacrifices, and hard work had paid off.
“Even though I didn’t meet my actual goal, I was still proud that I had the opportunity to play and represent the City of Davao as well as be a member of the best team, the King’s Sword Davao team,” she further shared.
Before reaching the nationals, Deligero reaped two gold medals at the NCCC Davao and Gensan tournaments.
“Pero ako goal jud is gold… pero happy ghapon ko kay gi tagaan ko’g safe fight sa Ginoo. Wala ra ko naunsa; walay sakit sa lawas after sa dula and nahatag sad nako ako best ato na time,” Deligero recounted.
“Grabe ka hago ang training tas school pa pero lipay ko kay nakaya nako ang tanan and excited sad ko sa mga opportunities puhon na mga mu abotay,” Deligero said, still being optimistic to engage in another fight to bag medals.
