Pangasinan karate jins shine in National Karate Championships

A mix of  budding and seasoned karate jins of Filipinas Wado Ryu Karatedo Renmei brought honor to the province when they harvested six gold, one silver, and two bronze medals during the 7th Karate Pilipinas National Karate Championships held  on March 6-8, 2026 at the Tagaytay City Velodrome.

Sanctioned by the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc., the two-day tournament was joined by 2,000 karate jins across the country and served as a major competition for talent scouting for athletes aiming for national team, competing in various age categories, including Open and Youth divisions.

Among the gold medalists are Shane Enrico Vasquez of Barangay Malued, Dagupan City (Grand Champion 61kg Kumite), Arianne Isabel Brito of Dagupan City (Seniors Female Individual Kumite 68+kg), John Matthew Manantan of Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan (Seniors Male 67kg Kumite), Hailey Fe Reyna Macalanda of Barangay Tapuac, Dagupan (10-11 YO Girls Kumite), Govinda Devi Dasi Mesina of Barangay Longos, Calasiao (Cadets Girls 47kg Kumite), and Shinobi Tapiador of Barangay Balaya, San Carlos City (U21 Male 84kg Kumite).

The lone silver was secured by Jellienne De Luna after showcasing her impressive sparring skills in Cadets Girls 53kg Kumite.

Meanwhile, the team’s bronze finishers are Samel Philip Lopez of Barangay 1, Dagupan City (Juniors 55kg Kumite) and Leianjello Caballero of Barangay Herrero, Dagupan City (12-13 YO Novice Kata Male).

“These accomplishments are testament of their discipline, dedication, and perseverance as they aspire to become better athletes in this sport and in life”, said head coach Alejandro Enrico Vaquez of Filipina Wado Ryu Karatedo Renmei – Dagupan, Kim Gealogo