By CARLO ANOLIN
Team Lakay patriarch and head coach Mark Sangiao believes that the making of ONE Warrior Series: Philippines will serve as an inspiration to the budding and rising Filipino martial artists.
Sixteen mixed martial artists have engaged in the rigorous sports reality show in the hopes of securing a $100,000 contract and a spot in the Singapore-based promotion ONE Championship.
The fact that the series already launched its debut in the country, for Sangiao, means that there will be more opportunities for aspiring Filipino fighters to showcase their skills on the global stage.
“This is inspiration to the next generation of martial artists, to the youth,” said Sangiao during the show’s media launch at The Globe Tower at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Thursday, Sept. 15.
Sangiao himself took the path of a martial artist as he was inspired by the legendary Bruce Lee.
The Team Lakay mentor is optimistic that the series will continue its production for the next seasons, inspiring more local fighters to test out their mettle.
It isn’t far-fetched though as Team Lakay stalwart Lito Adiwang was once a product of a ONE Warrior Series contract himself.
Apart from giving more opportunities to Filipino fighters, Sangiao believes that the show will emphasize the core values, namely integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion, better as imparted by ONE Championship.
“Some people think na this is only fighting but they don’t know ang naibibigay ng martial arts sa isang practicioner is ‘yong character and the attitude,” said the Team Lakay patriarch.
Team Lakay fighters Joshua Pacio, the reigning strawweight champion, and former flyweight titlist Geje Eustaquio will serve as coaches for two teams in the reality show namely Team Passion and Team Gravity, respectively.
Joining Team Passion are Arjay Ortega, Ariel Lampacan, Jun Montilla, Norman Agcopra, Joker Oliveros, L.A. Lauron, JM Guntayon, and Marvin Malunes while completing Team Gravity are Genil Francisco, Adonis Sevilleno, Joevincent So, Noy Francisco, Ely Fernandez, Sheraz Qurashi, Mcleary Ornido, and Christian Laurio.
