Manila Wrestling Federation Takes Modern Pinoy Wrestling to A Higher Level in “MWF: Road to Fate 2023”

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) continues to further establish its status as the Philippines’ premier professional wrestling entertainment brand as it delights the fans with its annual spectacle MWF: Road To Fate 2023 – featuring a roster of 100% Filipino wrestling stars. The already jam-packed event is set to take place at Power Mac Center Spotlight PMCS Blackbox in Circuit Makati on August 20, Sunday.

MWF: Road To Fate 2023 is also set to debut on national television as part of MWF’s weekly series “Aksyonovela TV”, which airs on RJ’s Rock of Manila TV (available on SkyCable Channel 229, or rescan digital TV boxes) and its social media channels (Facebook and YouTube) every Monday night at 9 PM. 

Headlining this year’s extravaganza is the conclusion to the storied rivalry between MWF founder Robin Sane and current MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion Fabio Makisig. Sane was MWF’s inaugural champion in 2018, defeating Makisig in a knockdown-drag-out war, before losing the title to Southeast Asian wrestling scene pioneer Ho Ho Lun the following year. Long-time fans are heavily anticipating the championship rematch between two of the federation’s greatest rivals. 

Among the other marquee matches set for Road To Fate 2023 is the volatile tag team match between the brand’s top villains – “Mr. Philippine Wrestling” Jake De Leon and Main Maxx (Oro, Plata, Mata) and the avenging heroes, the “Queen of Philippine Wrestling” Crystal and the returning Pinoy Strong Style pioneer “Danger” Rex Lawin. MWF’s resident televangelist, the fan-favorite Bro. Jomar Liwanag of Bahay ng Liwanag is also set to prove his otherworldly powers in a handicap match against his former minister Kaibigang Aaron and his lovable superhero friends El Katipunero and Super P. 

MWF: Road To Fate 2023 also features MWF mainstays including Nigel “Suplex” San Jose, Bro.  Benny Soriano, CJ Serafin, Danny Zamora, Joya, Dabid Ravena, Migs Valdez, Razael, Ken Cifer, Chelsea Marie, Isaiah Valencia, Kanto “Kilabot” Terror and Tarek El Tayech, Veronica Shannon, Tricia Ligaia, Mr. Sy and Kurt Jimenez, as well as MWF trainee/aspirant Pink Shirt. 

Tickets to MWF: Road To Fate 2023 are available now at Ticket2Me. The event will also be later uploaded in episodic form in MWF’s fan-exclusive channel on Gank. For more details, visit MWF’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.  

Manila Wrestling Federation Takes Circuit Makati by Storm in Jam-Packed “MWF: Republika 2023”

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s rapidly growing athletic entertainment brand, held its most successful show MWF: Republika 2023 last Sunday, April 30. The sold-out crowd at the Power Mac Center Spotlight PMCS Blackbox in Circuit Makati were taken on a thrilling ride of athletic feats as well as explosively entertaining stories and colorful, larger-than-life characters.

The event was centered on the return of multi-time WWE Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion, the “Japanese Buzzsaw” TAJIRI, who faced MWF’s resident religious zealot Bro. Jomar Liwanag in a breath-taking back-and-forth bout. A three-way showcasing international all-Pinoy talents – featuring “Mr. Philippine Wrestling” Jake De Leon, “The Queen of Philippine Wrestling” Crystal and Yappy from Ice Ribbon Japan also wowed the packed house, with Crystal surviving the gruelling match.

The MWF: Republika 2023 main event between Nigel “Suplex” San Jose and current champion Fabio Makisig for the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship proved that the MWF in-ring talent can hold their own in an event of international calibre. Makisig retained his championship before being attacked by former MWF champion Robin Sane, setting up another potential fiery encounter between the two.

New up-and-coming Pinoy wrestling stars also had breakout moments, as Ken Cifer was named the next contender for the coveted “Jeepney Belt” after a hard-hitting, brutal match against St. John Martin. MWF’s controversy-magnet Migs Valdez also had one of the night’s most entertaining segments, sharing the ring with Pinoy Wrestling pioneer Macho Franco. Main Maxx, MWF’s current chief of security, is in for a dilemma with the return of his former manager, Mr. Sy.

MWF: Republika’s stacked and solid match card featured MWF favorites including El Katipunero with Super P, Aaron Liwanag with Bro. Benny Soriano, CJ Serafin, Danny Zamora, Dabid Ravena, Isaiah Valencia and Pink Shirt, Chelsea Marie and MWF newcomer Joya. The event will later be uploaded in episodic form in MWF’s fan-exclusive channel on Gank.

MWF’s next event will be held on June 4, Sunday, at the Quezon Memorial Circle Events Place in Quezon City, titled “MWF Aksyonovela TV Special: Lights, Kamera, Aksyon!” For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com.

Wrestling Legend TAJIRI Set to Boost Manila Wrestling Federation’s Roster in Annual Extravaganza “MWF: Republika 2023”

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s rapidly growing athletic entertainment brand, once again delights Pinoy Wrestling fans with its annual spectacle MWF: Republika 2023 – boosted by the presence of WWE and ECW legend TAJIRI. The event will be held at Power Mac Center Spotlight PMCS Blackbox in Circuit Makati on April 30, Sunday, at 4:30 PM. 

The “Japanese Buzzsaw” TAJIRI, who has won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in multiple occasions as well as Tag Team Championship runs with fellow wrestling superstars Eddie Guerrero and William Regal, is set to compete in the ring with one of MWF’s rising stars – Bro. Jomar Liwanag. Liwanag has entertained the MWF fan community since his wrestling debut in 2017, via portraying his unforgettable comedic-yet-sinister character of a Pinoy religious zealot and cult leader. 

Also headlining this year’s MWF: Republika is current MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion Fabio Makisig, who will be defending the unique “Jeepney Belt” against fellow MWF pillar Nigel “Suplex” San Jose. Makisig has faced TAJIRI one-on-one twice in 2019 and had scored a win over the Japanese wrestling legend in their second encounter. 

A special triple threat showcase is also set to bolster the event’s already high-profile line-up of matches – featuring “Mr. Philippine Wrestling” Jake De Leon and the “Queen of Philippine Wrestling” Crystal, who will be tested in the ring by Fil-Japanese wrestler Yappy from Japanese wrestling promotion Ice Ribbon. 

MWF: Republika also features fan favorites such as El Katipunero with Super P, Aaron Liwanag with Bro.  Benny Soriano, CJ Serafin, Danny Zamora, Dabid Ravena, Khayl Sison, Migs Valdez with Frankie Thurteen, Razael, Ken Cifer, St. John Martin, Robin Sane and Main Maxx. Surprise special guests may also appear, alongside newcomers led by Chelsea Marie and Isaiah Valencia.

Tickets to MWF: Republika are available now at Ticket2Me. The event will later be uploaded in episodic form in MWF’s fan-exclusive channel on Gank. For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com, or MWF’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). Be part of the conversation by using MWF’s official hashtag: #PinoyWrestlingTayo. 

How Team Lakay’s Igorot Heritage Has Kept Them Strong During The Lockdown Period

With the whole world reeling from the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important things to take care of is one’s physical and mental health.

Amidst the uncertainty however, members of the famed Team Lakay stable in Baguio City, Philippines have managed to keep themselves and their families strong, safe, and above all else, sound of mind. And they owe a lot of it to their Igorot heritage.

Proudly representing their roots, the Team Lakay stars share what they’ve been up to during the lockdown and how their Igorot traits have helped them greatly during this time of crisis.

Mark Sangiao

“I’ve mostly been occupying myself with home training with my eldest son Jhanlo and playing with my youngest son Marko,” shared Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao. “I’m also giving online training lessons, and the rest of the day, I spend it working on Team Lakay’s social media page, as well as the athletes’ social media pages.”

Sangiao says that simple living is the root of the Igorot culture’s survival.

“The Igorot people are known to be resilient, self-sustaining, village-oriented, and we are used to simple living,” Sangiao explained. “Even in times like these, people don’t get hungry because we take care of each other. You go out and you’ll see free vegetables stocked out on the road, and we don’t hoard them, we only get what we need so that everyone has something on their tables.

“Remember that during the war, Cordillera was able to sustain themselves because of the strong ties that we have here, coupled with the patience and the resiliency that we have,” he added.

Eduard Folayang

“Since the Enhanced Community Quarantine, I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family, especially my two daughters,” shared former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang. “I’ve been doing a lot of home-made training programs. I’ve also done a lot of crossfit workouts and I’ve been shadowboxing just so I can keep my striking on point.”

Knowing how to follow the rules and being helpful are the key Igorot traits that Folayang highlighted.

“The Igorot people are obedient, we make sure to follow our figures of higher authority, especially our elders,” Folayang stated.

“We also practice what we call ‘binadang,’ which means helping those in need, which is very important during times like this,” he added.

Kevin Belingon

Former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon has been pretty innovative in finding ways to train hard, and he’s documented a lot of his methods on his social media.

“Aside from spending most of my time with my family, I continue to look for ways to be able to train,” Belingon said. “Since I can’t go to the gym, I brought the gym to me and improvised some equipment so that I can do my home workouts.”

The Igorot people, Belingon says, know how to fend for themselves.

“As a proud Igorot, we are taught to be self-reliant and fend for ourselves during trying times. We are also very obedient and respectful to our leaders,” he added.

Edward Kelly

For featherweight contender Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, this quarantine period has allowed him to spend more time with his in-laws and help around their house as well.

“I’m staying with my parents-in-law, so I’ve been busy with improving their house by fixing stuff and doing some landscaping,” Kelly shared. “I’m still training once a day, and I like to think of my work here as part of my training. For example, I simulate lifting weights by carrying soil and transferring them into a pit.”

Kelly believes that because of the Igorot people’s way of life, they’ve grown to become naturally healthy and strong.

“We’ve managed to stay strong throughout this period because I believe that the Igorot people are naturally healthy people,” he said.

”The Igorots are physically strong because we are very hard workers, and that helps make our immune system strong as well. Having a strong immune system is very important nowadays so that we don’t get sick with the virus,” Kelly added.

Danny Kingad

ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix finalist Danny “The King” Kingad sees this as an opportunity to spend more time with his family.

“I’m using this time to stay with my family and play with my son here at home,” he shared. “This is my chance to make up for all the time I’ve spent away and be able to be with them while there aren’t any fights scheduled.”

Kingad adds that being helpful and being obedient is something that has helped Igorots stay safe and healthy during the quarantine period.

“I’m happy and I’m blessed because we make sure that we help each other, and we also make sure that we follow the government’s orders of strictly staying at home and not going out,” said Kingad.

“I’m very proud that we are well-disciplined about this matter, and we don’t have a lot of confirmed cases here, unlike in other parts of the country, so for me, it’s very important that we continue to follow the guidelines, and that’s what we Igorots are doing,” he continued.

Lito Adiwang

Fast-rising ONE Strawweight contender Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is taking advantage of this time at home to enjoy time with his family as well as making sure that things around the house are ready for the upcoming rainy season in the Philippines.

“During this quarantine, I’ve kept myself busy by working out at home, catching up with my brothers by giving advice and planning how to make tomorrow better, and by fixing whatever it is that is needed to be fixed at home so that it’s in good shape, especially with the rainy season approaching,” says Adiwang.

“Being a proud Igorot, I can say that our traits and beliefs have greatly helped us combat this dangerous disease.”

Geje Eustaquio

For former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio staying stress-free is an important part of staying healthy and virus-free.

“I still find ways to train, but it’s more of home workouts and running,” Eustaquio shared. “We stay at home and maintain a healthy lifestyle. No stress and panic, just exercise, and of course the right diet.”

“Gravity” says that genes and lifestyle are a big part of how the Igorot people have kept strong through this time of crisis.

“Being an Igorot, most especially the genes and the lifestyle that we live has really helped us during this pandemic,” said Eustaquio. “We are very resilient people, we hold our pride high.

“We can survive and we can adapt on our own,” Eustaquio added.

Honorio Banario

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario has gotten to use the time at home to babysit and also get some workouts in.

“Well, I’m at the province right now, babysitting,” Banario said. “I’ve also kept myself fit by skipping rope, shadowboxing, and carrying stones to have a light exercise.”

“Sometimes, I go and run on the trail near the farm,” “The Rock” added.

Banario shared that a certain native Igorot dish might be a key factor in keeping safe during the pandemic.

“Well, the things that normal Igorots do during this time of crisis is simply staying at home and following the rules,” shared Banario.

“We also cook a native chicken dish known as Pinikpikan,” Banario added jokingly. “I think these are the things that are helping keep us safe and away from this dangerous virus.”

Joshua Pacio

Fresh off a successful title-defense against Alex Silva, ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is fortunate to have a world champion training partner at arm’s length during this quarantine period.

“As an athlete, I need to find ways to train and keep myself busy during this quarantine. Luckily, Kuya Kevin [Belingon] and I live in the same barangay, that’s why we can train together,” Pacio shared.

Pacio notes that the Igorot discipline has helped keep the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the Benguet and Baguio area at a minimum.

“The Baguio-Benguet area is somehow one of the places with the least amounts of cases of people that have tested positive for the coronavirus, and I believe that it’s because of how disciplined the Igorot people are,” explained Pacio.

“We listen and we take seriously what the government says. We stay at home and we don’t go out, and we make sure that our health and safety is a must,” Pacio added.

Strong Faith, Great Teammates, Man’s Best Friend are Joshua Pacio’s Lockdown Essentials

On many occasions, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has stated that he would never sign an athlete like Conor McGregor because he doesn’t embody the values of the company. In many respects, ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio is the polar opposite. 

Pacio is a shining embodiment of the traditional martial arts values.

Nicknamed “The Passion,” Pacio is a man who relies firmly on his faith. In these times of uncertainty it’s something that he has turned to for reassurance.

“The important thing for me in this kind of situation is praying to God. He is the only one who knows what's going to happen, trusting in God in this kind of situation is important and of course we should trust Him not only in these situations but in good times or bad,” says Pacio.

Pacio is part of a unique band of brothers at the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Philippines. Remarkably, he is one of five athletes who have realized their dreams of becoming World Champions at ONE Championship.

“My teammates inspire me every day, they are the reason why I'm a champion, they helped me get to where I am today, they motivate me in downtimes and help me realize what my mistakes are,” Pacio says.

Under the watchful eye of legendary coach Mark Sangiao, Pacio and his team combine a strong work ethic with deep-rooted values to achieve unprecedented success. They didn’t start out with any fancy equipment, but the strength of their collective mindset gave them everything they needed to succeed.

While the current COVID-19 situation is far from ideal for an elite martial arts world champion, Pacio’s experience as a member of Team Lakay has put him in good stead.

“The hardest part is that we can't go to the gym to train, that's why we find ways to train inside our homes. In the past years, we were lacking training equipment in the gym. This is not new to us, so we find ways to stay sharp. Luckily, I have punching mitts and manong (older brother) Kevin [Belingon] and I are in the same barangay (village) so we hold pads for each other,” says Pacio.

Having a teammate nearby is certainly helping Pacio stay sharp during the pandemic, but as fans have seen in his recent social media posts – one companion in particular, has become a mainstay of his daily routine.

“Actually, this pandemic taught me more on how to bond with my dog. And my dog is getting fat so I need to go run or jog with her,” Pacio says.

While Pacio’s dog may have put on the pounds, he doesn’t intend to follow suit.

“When I get older, I think we need to talk about getting up in a higher weight division. But for now, I have no intention of going up in weight classes because my teammates are in those weight classes,” says Pacio.

Pacio’s reservations about a jump to flyweight are understandable. ONE’s flyweight division really is packed with his brothers from Team Lakay. Geje Eustaquio is a former ONE Flyweight World Champion, and Danny Kingad was a finalist in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. Meanwhile, competing at his current weight seems to suit Pacio just fine, with his second reign as king of the strawweights producing some impressive results.

After winning the belt back from Yosuke Saruta in Manila in April 2019, the young star returned to his nation’s capital twice more to carve out a statement victory over veteran wushu world champion and fellow Filipino Rene Catalan in November, before going on to clinch a decision win over former strawweight titleholder Alex Silva in January.

Despite not having a bout booked for the first time in a long-time, the 24-year-old Pacio’s mindset seems sharper than ever as he looks to carve out an enduring legacy in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

“Honestly I’m not the guy who has a dream opponent. I just focus on improving every day and every bout. I am a champion and I need to prove that every time I step inside the Circle,” says Pacio.

ONE Championship’s martial arts values are integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion. In difficult times, it’s inspiring to see an individual who has such a strong grasp of what it means to incorporate them into daily life, whether it’s in or out of competition, or indeed, in the midst of a global pandemic.

But, judging by his work ethic, as well as the strength he draws from his faith, his teammates and indeed, his furry companion, Pacio has all the ingredients to flourish under any circumstance.