malateans gabrielle tan and geoffrey tan clinch goLd medals in muntiparlas poomsae taekwondo championships  

Gabrielle Tan and Geoffrey Tan's efforts paid off as they won the Poomsae Taekwondo Tournament. Discover the experiences that led to their success.

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Written by:Jazlyn Rae Molina & Claire Ferrer

Layout by: Sean Aldrich Siruno

December 21, 2022 | 2:40 P.M.

Gabrielle Tan, black belt holder, and Geoffrey Tan, brown belt holder, radiate Malatean pride as they showcase their skills at the recently concluded MUNTIPARLAS Poomsae Taekwondo Championships held last November 27 at the Robinsons Mall Las Piñas.

Upon first hearing that they have been selected to compete, it felt exciting for them, though this was not the first time they’d been included in competitions such as this. Going into the competition, the siblings’ main focus was to give it all they got and hope for the best possible outcome. “For us, hindi naman siya gaanong like, new to the ear, since we were having back-to-back competitions the past few weeks, so we just wanted to do our best and better than our last performance,” explained Gabrielle. 

Gabrielle Tan of Grade 10 - St. Lucy was once a sparring player when she first embarked on her career in the Taekwondo sports industry until she learned about Poomsae. “I liked the accuracy and discipline that Poomsae demands of your performance. Every stance, kick, and punch needs to be in a certain position and power. For me, it was thrilling and that's when I started focusing on my Poomsae,” she stated.

Gabrielle's journey throughout the competition was challenging yet spectacular

Gabrielle had to deal with the difficulties that come with being an athlete as she prepared for the upcoming competition. She talked about how arduous their training of three to four times a week was to hone their abilities and get into championship-worthy shape. Moreover, she unfortunately suffered from an injury in her lower hamstring that made it challenging for her to execute certain stances and proper kicks during training sessions.

Due to the injury, the competition was more stressful and nerve-racking for her. Several adjustments had to be made to prevent any discomfort during their routine. According to Gabrielle, this was her second time competing with an injured hamstring. Not only that, she was also scheduled to attend a Nationals competition the following week which made the situation all the more concerning.

On the day of the competition, she had to take medicine and wrap tape around her lower left leg up to her mid-thigh to alleviate the agony caused by the injury and perform well in the competition. Despite the drawback, Gabrielle continued as usual.

Gabrielle exemplified perseverance as she stood tall until the very end of the competition despite all of these circumstances. She successfully earned the gold medal in the Junior Female Blackbelt Category.

Another medal in the recent MUNTIPARLAS Poomsae Taekwondo Championship was secured by Geoffrey Tan from Grade 7 - St. John.

Geoffrey started his career in the Taekwondo sport seven years ago. Given that his father was also a player, it was his father who ignited his passion for the sport. He grew to admire it even more because of his sister, Gabrielle. “It started when I heard stories of my dad playing that sport and when I saw my Ate [Gabrielle] win some medals from the competition she was competing in,” he stated.

Geoffrey’s passion for Taekwondo made everything possible. He mentioned that he was under a lot of pressure prior to the competition. He had uncertainties about how well he would perform in the Poomsae tournament.

It was said that during his training, Geoffrey and two of his teammates were having difficulties getting in sync with each other with their routine. This became the center of his worries. Their team was aiming for the overall championship title, thus it was crucial that he and his teammates aim for the gold medal.

Despite this, he persevered and exercised self-discipline to excel in the sport. Geoffrey consequently managed to take home the Cadet Category gold medal. He believes everything was worth the struggle in the end. 

“Team is about moving as one, and having one rhythm,” said Geoffrey.

Gabrielle and Geoffrey’s struggles, anxieties, rigorous training, and efforts finally paid off when they emerged as champions in their respective Taekwondo belt categories. 

“I realized that not because you've had a bad playing year, doesn't mean that you're a bad player,” Gabrielle stated. Upon facing this competition, the Tan siblings have had their fair share of obstacles, whether physical or mental. But the takeaway is how thankful they are to their supporters and those who’ve helped them along the way. Without them, the two would’ve never been able to build up their confidence and find the motivation to continue honing their craft.

Both Gabrielle and Geoffrey attribute these victories to people who never ceased to have confidence in them, particularly their coaches, families, and friends.