NATIONAL University solidified its dominance in UAAP Season 87 Taekwondo by sweeping both the women’s and high school divisions on Thursday evening at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs, driven by redemption, completed a flawless 5-0 campaign in the women’s division, marking their first championship since their four-peat from Seasons 79 to 82 (2016-2019).
They dethroned two-time defending champions University of Santo Tomas with a commanding 6-1 victory, capped off by six gold medals.
“Sobrang proud talaga ako sa women’s team namin. Last year, we fell short by one match pero ganun talaga yung game, may nananalo, may natatalo,” shared NU taekwondo program head Carlos Padilla. “Nag-focus kami sa maling ginawa namin at pinukpok kung ano yung strength namin. So far, nagawa nila.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The team’s resurgence was spearheaded by bantamweight Veronica Garces, who was named Season MVP. Reflecting on their journey, Garces shared the mindset that fueled their success: “Pinaka main thing na ginawa namin is to start from the bottom. Hindi namin inisip na runner-up kami last year but we really aimed for a championship even the loss last year.”
Garces, who is also pursuing a master’s degree in education, credited her teammates for their trust and dedication: “Sobrang thankful ako sa teammates ko na pinagkatiwalaan nila ako. Talagang entering this season, confident kami na makukuha namin yung championship.
“Yung difference ng team na ito sa unang championship team namin is this is our redemption year. Nung una, underdog talaga kami. From nothing to everything kami.”
The Lady Bulldogs’ other gold medalists included Clarence Sarza (finweight), Rajany Santos (flyweight), Sharifa Via dela Cruz (lightweight), and Merica Chan (middle/heavyweight).
Padilla attributed the team’s cohesion and drive to their shared determination: “Parang mga kapatid ko na sila. Sobrang masunurin sila at very goal-driven.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the high school division, the NU-Nazareth Bullpups asserted their supremacy with a 4-0 sweep, defending their title with a 4-1 triumph over UST.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
John Angelo Pascual, named MVP, and Michael Cabaluna secured the Bullpups’ gold medals, anchoring their successful campaign.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Simula ng nahawakan ko yung NU, dalawang season na second runner-up sila. Last year, nakuha na nila at naulit pa ulit. Siguro, credit ito sa co-coaches ko at pati sa mga seniors nila na magandang influence sa kanila,” said Padilla, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind their triumph.
UST’s Junior Tiger Jins placed second with a 3-1 record, highlighted by golds from Jean Sebastian Durana and Giancarlo Fernandez, while FEU-Diliman secured third place with a decisive 5-0 win over De La Salle-Zobel, led by gold medalist Kay-Ar Cruza.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the women’s podium, UST took second place with a 4-1 record, led by last season’s MVP Laizel Abucay, who won the featherweight gold.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
La Salle rounded out the top three with a 3-2 record, with rookie Dhivine Lerado earning featherweight silver and Rookie of the Year honors.
For NU, the season marked not just a return to glory but also a showcase of resilience and unity across divisions—a testament to their program’s strength and vision. (TJ)
