DLSZ Taekwondo Secures Back-to-Back Podium Finishes at National Tournaments

Congratulations to the DLSZ Taekwondo Team for delivering consecutive stellar performances at two (2) major national competitions – the 2026 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation Best of the Best Championships and the 2026 National Interschool Taekwondo Championships (Kyorugi Division), held on September 5–6, 2026 and August 22–23, 2026, respectively.

 

2026 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation Best of the Best Championships

This tournament serves as a premier battleground for the country’s top student-athletes. Held on September 5–6, 2026, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the delegation rose to the occasion with major podium finishes.

Gold Medalists

  • Brent Jason Fortez (DLSZ 2028)
  • Aiyana Isabella Picardal (DLSZ 2028)

Brent dominated the Poomsae event with crisp, sharp forms while Aiyana showed tactical supremacy on the Kyorugi mats, allowing both athletes to outscore their opponents.

Bronze Medalists

  • Sage Kenshin Santiago (DLSZ 2032)
  • Skye Phoenix Santiago (DLSZ 2037)

Sage battled through tough rounds on the Kyorugi mats while Skye executed precise routines in the Poomsae event, establishing a double-bronze finish for the two (2) young jins.

In addition to the medalists, the team showcased immense courage and competitive spirit against national-level contenders:

Poomsae

  • Mikailee Ellyze Caubalejo (DLSZ 2031)- Rank 13

Kyorugi

  • Paul Sebastian Alcantara (DLSZ 2029)
  • Enrico Danz Esguerra (DLSZ 2029)
  • Enrique Armando Ilas (DLSZ 2027)
  • Maria Natalia Ilas (DLSZ 2028)
  • Audrey Nicole Lim (DLSZ 2032)
  • Matthew Josh Yrreg Riguer (DLSZ 2034) 

 

2026 National Interschool Taekwondo Championships

The Best of the Best triumph followed an equally outstanding run weeks prior at the 2026 National Interschool Taekwondo Championships (Kyorugi Division). Held on August 22–23, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila City,  the teamsecured multiple podium finishes through exceptional tactical discipline, speed, and composure on the mats.

Gold Medalists

  • Samon Therese Santiago (DLSZ 2035)
  • Aleana Nicole Nicolas (DLSZ 2031)

Both Santiago and Nicolas dominated their respective divisions, sweeping through their preliminary matches before securing decisive victories in the finals to capture the national gold.

Bronze Medalists

  • Mateo Alonzo Cadhit (DLSZ 2031)
  • Skye Phoenix Santiago (DLSZ 2037)

Cadhit and Santiago delivered hard-fought performances throughout the bracket, demonstrating resilience to earn well-deserved bronze medal finishes.

DLSZ Taekwondo Delegation

The podium finishes were backed by a strong overall showing from the Kyorugi representatives, whose grit and sportsmanship were on full display throughout the tournament:

  • Paul Sebastian Alcantara (DLSZ 2029)
  • Mary Josephine Bocaling (DLSZ 2031)
  • Andres Rafael Del Rosario (DLSZ 2031)
  • Enrico Danz Esguerra (DLSZ 2029)
  • Marc Gracias (DLSZ 2029)
  • Enrique Armando Ilas (DLSZ 2027)
  • Dranreb Marañon (DLSZ 2027)
  • Amanda Reign Ramos (DLSZ 2028)
  • Carlo Sebastian Ramos (DLSZ 2031)
  • Sage Kenshin Santiago (DLSZ 2032)

These consecutive achievements reflect the student-athletes’ rigorous training and dedication under the guidance of the DLSZ Sports Development Office and coaching staff. 

Animo La Salle!

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