Fresh from a breakthrough performance in South Korea, the Philippine taekwondo team is turning its attention to another international test with a bigger goal in mind: developing the next generation of Filipino fighters for the global stage.
The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will send its up-and-coming athletes to the 2026 Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open Championships scheduled from Aug. 1 to 5 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The tournament will feature 30 participating countries, including powerhouse nations such as Korea, Iran, Jordan, Chinese Taipei, China, Cambodia, and Iraq.
PTA Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong believes the members of the SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team are ready to take on the challenge after gaining valuable experience from recent international competitions.
Hong remains encouraged by the team’s strong showing at the 7th Kimunyong Cup in Seoul, where Filipino athletes captured nine medals, including four golds. The performance provided confidence that the country’s young fighters can compete against some of Asia’s best.
Leading the Philippine delegation are Ethan Jervey Dayne Chavez (-58kg), Kurt Mykel Curata (-58kg), Felicity Jana Castel (-49kg), Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadilena (-57kg), and Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape in poomsae.
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The men’s kyorugi squad, coached by former national standout Roberto Cruz and Christian Al Dela Cruz, will also feature VonGabriel Polo Barbosa (-54kg), Tor Timothy Castillo (-63kg), Sturdy Jay Gilbuena (-68kg), Cyvir Junio (-74kg), and Marcus Neil Delos Santos (-80kg).
The women’s lineup includes Caitlin Julia Carlos (-46kg), Sharifa Vianca Dela Cruz (-53kg), Jizyl Javier (-67kg), Mary Heart Capulong (-73kg), and Ashley Rose Reniedo (over 73kg).
Beyond the main competitors, several young athletes are also being monitored as potential future international representatives. John Daniel Navarro, Jay-R Casas, Jesseray Lucas Frantilla, Nathanael Managbanag, Liam Jethro Jimenez, Dane Shaun Enjealo Subaste, Carl Johnsen Ong, Paul Anthony Rodriguez, and Kemp Prochina are among the other names expected to contribute to the men’s program.
The women’s development pool also features Aesha Kiara Oglayon, Glaiza Mae Cabural, Julianna Martha Uy, Casey De Leon, Elizabeth Marie Borres, Heza Allyson Serapio, Stella Nicole Yape, Emie Fernandez, and Juliana Mykhail Candelaria.
For Hong, the Indonesia Open is not only about chasing medals but also about preparing athletes who could represent the Philippines in future major competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The PTA has continued to emphasize athlete development through international exposure and competitive opportunities, with the federation recognized as the country’s governing body for taekwondo and working alongside international organizations such as World Taekwondo.
With a combination of experienced coaches and emerging fighters, the Philippine team enters Jakarta with confidence, aiming to prove that the country’s next generation of taekwondo athletes is ready to step onto the international stage.
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