Published: 5:11 pm March 6, 2023 | Updated: 6:54 am March 7, 2023
Kristen Angel Pantaleon competed in Tunggali for the lightweight middle division.
Kristen Pantaleon, FEU High School Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) student captured a silver medal in the 60th National Sikaran Tournament in Baras, Rizal. The green belter represented the National Capital Region (NCR) team and battled against players from different regions in the Philippines.
Sikaran, the counterpart of the Korean sport Taekwondo, is a Filipino martial art on foot fighting. Originated in Baras, it focuses on leg movements and only uses the hands for blocking attacks from opponents. It is also divided into two categories, the tunggali or sparring and the balangkas or individual routine.
Pantaleon shared that she was introduced to the sport during her Junior High School year in FEU Roosevelt in Marikina and noted how beneficial it is for both character empowerment and health. “Playing and training makes me feel satisfied because it strengthens my stamina and helps me lose weight. It also requires self-discipline which makes me physically and mentally ready.” she said.
It was not an easy feat for the athlete as she experienced losses in her first few competitions. Despite the setbacks, her perseverance to win and to prove her power became a weapon towards victory. In the same tournament held last 2019, she won gold in the championship.
Aside from the moral support from her loved ones, coach and teammates, what drives her is her advocacy to promote the sport to many people as only several can recognize it. The encouragement of the FEU High School community has also helped boost her strong will to her commitment.
I thank the FEU High School community for acknowledging me as an athlete. They get to know more about me as an athlete and the sport itself, and this motivates me to introduce the sport as part of the Filipino culture to more people. I would also like to encourage everyone to pursue their passion without getting affected by what others say
Pantaleon on her motivation as an athlete
The National Sikaran Tournament is a prestigious annual competition in the country and is hosted by the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines (WSBP).
