By: Waylon Galvez
The Mandaluyong Fencing Club made a strong impression at the Philippine Fencing Association Minime Tournament held last weekend at the Ormoc City Superdome in Leyte, with young fencer Kyrsten Danielle “KD” Cabuñag capturing two gold medals in impressive fashion.
Cabuñag, a Grade 6 student from Homeschool Global, clinched her first gold on Saturday by defeating Christine May Morales of the QC-SEP Fencing Team, 10-7, in the Under-14 Women’s Épée division.
On Sunday, the 11-year-old sensation — who only began fencing in July 2024 — continued her winning streak by toppling Mary Chiara Layne Guidote of Canlas Fencing, 9-6, in the Under-12 Women’s Épée category.
“This is a proud moment for our club and the City of Mandaluyong,” said club founder Ariel Montinola. “We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of our community, which made it possible for six of our fencers to compete and represent us with pride.”
Under the guidance of head coach and former University of the East standout Marlow Osayan, Cabuñag emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, helping the relatively young club — established in 2023 — make its mark on the national stage.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to our club parents for their steadfast support, and to our local government for its consistent moral encouragement,” Montinola said. “We’re also grateful to Sulong Sports Enterprise for providing essential equipment and supplies.”
Montinola also praised the coaching staff for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
“Huge shoutout to Coach Marlow Osayan for his outstanding mentorship. His preparation helped KD both mentally and physically to dominate in both the Under-12 and Under-14 Épée events,” he added. “Special thanks as well to Coach Marlon Pablico, whose expertise in weaponry ensured our team was always well-equipped.”
Montinola, a former UE Red Warrior fencer himself, emphasized the club’s commitment to its core values. “Our team’s dedication to the SULONG spirit — Sportsmanship, Unity, Love for the sport, Optimism, Nurturing, and Gratitude — is the foundation of our growing fencing community.”
While Cabuñag stood out with her double-gold performance, the other members of the Mandaluyong Fencing Club also posted promising results, particularly considering their recent entry into the sport.
Rhiana Bridgette placed fifth overall in the Under-14 Women’s Épée. In the Under-10 Men’s Foil, Echo Magdato and Arserg Godoy finished 9th and 12th, respectively.
Rafa Angela Catayong ranked 9th in the Under-10 Women’s Foil, while Marcus Lorenzo Tapampas and Godoy placed 14th and 18th, respectively, in the Under-12 Men’s Foil.
