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CDT 1CL Arwi Chiday Martinez, a proud Igorot from Baguio City, was named valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015.

Igorotage Staff in Topnotchers Mar 9, 2015 · 2 min read

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P152,000 in cash from gold sold by a small-scale miner is missing after a jeepney ride in Itogon. Did the other passengers take it or was it lost?

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Our culture says “BINNADANG”, teamwork as is. This leads to endless success. Within the family, the community, the organization, and the life of an ordinary man. From our ancestors to this generation, living it up and nurturing more, will surely make the future realistic. It is with great privilege to be a part of this community. Happy to share and care.

Matago tago tako losan.

Team Lakay, under Mark Sangiao’s guidance, dominates the MMA scene in Asia. Explore their legacy and martial arts triumphs.

Mark Sangiao, the driving force behind Baguio City’s martial arts dominance, continues to shape the landscape of combat sports with his renowned gym, Team Lakay. From his own journey as a fighter to his role as a mentor and coach, Sangiao’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the gym walls. Let’s delve into the ongoing saga of Mark Sangiao and Team Lakay as they cement their legacy in the world of martial arts.

Mark “The Machine” Sangiao

The Evolution of Mark “The Machine” Sangiao

Mark Sangiao’s journey into martial arts began in his formative years, where he displayed a natural affinity for combat sports. Growing up in Baguio City, he was drawn to the discipline and focus required in disciplines like kickboxing, taekwondo, and wushu. Despite initial objections from his mother due to concerns for his safety, Sangiao’s passion for martial arts only grew stronger with time.

In 2001, Sangiao achieved a significant milestone in his career when he secured a gold medal at the Southeast Asia Games, showcasing his prowess on the regional stage. This victory marked a turning point in his journey, solidifying his commitment to pursuing martial arts at the highest level.

Team Lakay Logo

Transitioning from a successful competitive career to coaching, Sangiao founded Team Lakay in Baguio City, a gym that would later become synonymous with excellence in martial arts. Drawing from his own experiences as a fighter, Sangiao sought to instill values of discipline, perseverance, and humility in the next generation of athletes.

As a fighter, Mark “The Machine” Sangiao amassed a respectable MMA record of 7-2, showcasing his skill and determination in the cage. His experience as a competitor provided invaluable insights that he would later impart to his students as a coach.

Under Sangiao’s guidance, Team Lakay quickly rose to prominence, attracting talented fighters from across the region. Sangiao’s unique coaching style, characterized by a combination of technical expertise and unwavering support, set the foundation for the gym’s success.

As a mentor and coach, Sangiao’s impact extended beyond the gym walls, influencing the lives of countless athletes and shaping the trajectory of their careers. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to his students earned him the respect and admiration of the martial arts community.

Photo: ONE Championship

Team Lakay: Forging Champions

Team Lakay, under Sangiao’s stewardship, has become synonymous with excellence in martial arts. From humble beginnings, the gym has blossomed into a powerhouse, producing champions and contenders across various promotions, most notably ONE Championship.

Among the Igorot MMA fighters who have risen to prominence under the Team Lakay banner are Honorio “The Rock” Banario, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, and Eduard “Landslide” Folayang. These athletes have captured titles and accolades on the global stage, showcasing the depth of talent within Team Lakay.

Other notable athletes from the gym include Mark “El Terrible” Eddiva, Rey “The Punisher” Docyogen, Dave Galera, Jerome Wanawan, Eric “The Natural” Kelly, Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge, Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang, and many more. While predominantly composed of Igorot MMA fighters, Team Lakay welcomes athletes from all backgrounds who share a passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence.

Transition and Evolution

While Team Lakay has been a bastion of success in the martial arts world, the journey of its athletes is not always confined to a single path. Some fighters, after achieving great success under the Team Lakay banner, have chosen to retire from competition or move on to different ventures. Others have ventured into coaching or started their own gyms, contributing to the growth and diversification of the martial arts community.

Retired athletes like Eric “The Natural” Kelly and Crisanto “The Slugger” Pitpitunge continue to inspire with their contributions to the sport, while others have taken on new challenges outside of the cage. Additionally, some former Team Lakay members have established their own gyms, nurturing the next generation of fighters and fostering a spirit of collaboration within the martial arts community.

Though their paths may diverge, the bond forged within Team Lakay remains strong, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mark Sangiao and his vision for martial arts excellence. As these athletes continue to evolve and chart their own courses, their contributions to the sport and their shared experiences with Team Lakay will forever be etched in the annals of martial arts history.

The Legacy Continues

As the journey of Mark Sangiao and Team Lakay unfolds, their legacy grows ever stronger. Beyond the confines of competition, Sangiao’s impact resonates within the hearts and minds of his athletes, instilling values that extend far beyond the realm of martial arts.

With each new generation of fighters, Sangiao’s influence reverberates, shaping the future of combat sports in Baguio City and beyond. As Team Lakay continues to write their chapter in the annals of martial arts history, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Mark Sangiao and Team Lakay will endure for generations to come.

Moreover, the instrumental role of dedicated trainers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to develop and nurture Team Lakay’s talent cannot be overlooked. Their guidance and expertise have played a pivotal role in the success of the gym and will continue to shape its future endeavors.

FAQ

1. What is the history of Team Lakay?

Team Lakay was founded by Mark Sangiao in Baguio City and has since become synonymous with excellence in martial arts, producing champions and contenders in various promotions.

2. Who are some notable fighters from Team Lakay?

Prominent fighters from Team Lakay include Honorio “The Rock” Banario, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, and Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, among others.

3. What disciplines does Team Lakay specialize in?

Team Lakay specializes in various martial arts disciplines, including kickboxing, taekwondo, wushu, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

4. What is Mark Sangiao’s role within Team Lakay?

Mark Sangiao is the founder and head coach of Team Lakay. He plays a pivotal role in training and mentoring the gym’s fighters, guiding them to success in their martial arts careers.

5. How has Team Lakay impacted the martial arts community in Baguio City?

Team Lakay has had a profound impact on the martial arts community in Baguio City, inspiring aspiring fighters and promoting the values of discipline, perseverance, and humility.

6. Are all Team Lakay fighters from the Igorot ethnic group?

While Team Lakay has predominantly consisted of Igorot MMA fighters, the gym welcomes athletes from all backgrounds who share a passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence.

7. What are some challenges faced by Team Lakay fighters?

Team Lakay fighters face various challenges in their careers, including tough competition, rigorous training regimens, and the need to balance their athletic pursuits with other aspects of their lives.

8. How does Mark Sangiao balance coaching and mentoring Team Lakay fighters?

Mark Sangiao manages his responsibilities as a coach and mentor by instilling discipline, fostering a supportive team environment, and providing personalized guidance to each fighter under his tutelage.

9. What is the future outlook for Team Lakay?

The future looks promising for Team Lakay, with a new generation of talented fighters emerging and the gym continuing to make strides in the world of martial arts.

10. How can aspiring fighters join Team Lakay?

Aspiring fighters interested in joining Team Lakay can reach out to the gym for information on tryouts, training programs, and membership opportunities.

Who killed Conrado Balweg? Uncover the details behind his assassination by the New People’s Army and the motives behind his break from the NPA and fight for Cordillera autonomy.

Conrado Balweg, a former Catholic priest turned revolutionary leader, was a prominent figure in the fight for Cordilleran autonomy. Born in 1944 to a Tingguian family, part of the broader Igorot community, Balweg emerged from the highlands of the Cordillera to lead a movement that would leave a lasting mark on Philippine history.

From Priest to Revolutionary

Balweg’s early years were spent in the mountains of Abra, part of the Tingguian tribe, often referred to as one of the indigenous groups in the Cordillera region. Despite the misconceptions about their traditions, Balweg rose above the stereotypes, attending missionary schools and later becoming the first priest from his tribe.

Conrado Balweg left the priesthood to lead the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army.

He studied with the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD), an international Catholic missionary order, where he was exposed to both Marxist thought and Liberation Theology. This influenced his strong sense of justice for the poor and marginalized. However, these views conflicted with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and by 1979, Balweg left the priesthood and joined the New People’s Army (NPA), taking the name “Ka Ambo.”

Formation of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA)

Conrado Balweg became well-known in his fight for Cordilleran self-determination. But as tensions grew within the NPA, he denounced the organization’s approach, claiming that lowland leaders were exploiting the Igorot people. This led him to break away and form the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) in 1986, which aligned more closely with the local struggles of his people.

Under Balweg’s leadership, the CPLA sought autonomy for the Cordillera region. He and then-President Corazon Aquino formalized a ceasefire with the government in the 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord (“Sipat”), a significant milestone in the Cordilleran quest for autonomy.

The Motive Behind the Killing

Balweg’s assassination was rooted in deep ideological and personal conflicts. His breakaway from the New People’s Army and formation of the CPLA was seen as a betrayal by the NPA leadership. The NPA, a communist revolutionary group, viewed his push for regional autonomy as counter to their broader goal of national revolution.

Balweg had accused the NPA of being a totalitarian organization, controlled by lowlanders, and acting against the interests of the Igorot people. This public denunciation, coupled with his efforts to work with the Philippine government, infuriated the NPA leadership. They saw his actions as undermining their cause, and his influence as a local leader posed a threat to their control over the Cordillera region.

In response, the NPA justified the assassination by accusing Balweg of committing “crimes against the Cordilleran people and the revolutionary movement.” His brother, Jovencio Balweg, was allegedly part of the NPA unit that carried out the attack. Although Jovencio denied firing the fatal shots, the killing was framed as an act of justice within the NPA’s ideological framework.

Procorpio Tauro, also known as “Ka Lito” or “Pyro,” was directly implicated in Balweg’s death. The Philippine police identified Tauro as the one who fired the shots, but the assassination was clearly a planned and politically motivated operation by the NPA leadership.

A Call for Peace

Despite the tragic death, the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, led by leaders such as Ama Mariano Agosto and Modesto Sagudang, resisted calls for retaliation. In the wake of the murder, Agosto, the president of the Cordillera Bodong Administration, said:

“We have no intention to avenge his death through arms because we would be violating our peace agreement with the government. We no longer resort to armed resolution of conflicts, they are better done through peaceful means.”

This statement was made in response to threats from CPLA commander Sumulong Sayen, who had vowed to launch a search-and-destroy operation against Jovencio Balweg and other NPA members involved. However, Agosto and Sagudang called for a peaceful resolution, asking the NPA:

“Can you stand up for non-violent resolution of conflicts? When will you, the Cordillera NPA cadres, start again to recognize your indigenous culture and traditions?”

Continuing the Fight for Autonomy

Despite the tragic end of Balweg’s life, his legacy lives on in the continuing fight for Cordilleran autonomy. Gavino Gang-gangan, secretary general of the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA), made it clear that the struggle would continue:

“We will be firm and consistent with our demand for autonomy in the Cordilleras.”

At the time of his death, Balweg had been leading talks with the national government on Cordillera autonomy, alongside Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora. This dialogue had been initiated under the presidency of Joseph Estrada and was seen as crucial for the region’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who was Conrado Balweg and why was he significant?

Conrado Balweg was a former Catholic priest from the Tingguian tribe, an Igorot group from the Cordillera region. He became known for leading the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) in their fight for regional autonomy, advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples. His leadership helped bring the 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord, a crucial agreement between the CPLA and the Philippine government.

2. Why did Conrado Balweg leave the priesthood to become a rebel?

Balweg was deeply influenced by Liberation Theology, which promotes social justice and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Dissatisfied with the church’s stance and the growing exploitation of Cordilleran lands, he decided to leave the priesthood in 1979 and join the New People’s Army (NPA) to fight for indigenous rights. Later, he formed the CPLA after distancing himself from the NPA.

3. What was the Mount Data Peace Accord?

The 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord was a historic ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the CPLA led by Conrado Balweg. It marked the end of armed conflict between the two sides, and paved the way for discussions on autonomy for the Cordillera region.

4. Who killed Conrado Balweg?

Conrado Balweg was assassinated by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1999. The NPA, which Balweg had previously broken away from, justified the killing by accusing him of betraying their cause and working against the interests of the revolutionary movement.

5. What was the motive behind Conrado Balweg’s assassination?

Balweg’s break from the NPA and the formation of the CPLA, which pursued regional autonomy instead of a national revolution, led to tensions between him and the NPA leadership. His public denouncements of the NPA as being against Igorot interests were seen as betrayal, leading to his assassination.

6. How did the CPLA respond to Conrado Balweg’s death?

In the wake of Balweg’s death, CPLA leaders, including Ama Mariano Agosto and Modesto Sagudang, called for peaceful means of resolving the conflict and discouraged retaliation against the NPA. They believed avenging his death would violate the peace agreement with the government.

7. What role did Jovencio Balweg, Conrado’s brother, play in the assassination?

Jovencio Balweg, a member of the NPA, was part of the group responsible for his brother Conrado’s assassination. While he denied firing the fatal shots, he was involved in the operation. The NPA later claimed responsibility for the killing as a punishment for Conrado’s perceived betrayal.

8. How does Conrado Balweg’s legacy continue today?

Balweg’s fight for Cordilleran autonomy continues through the ongoing efforts of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and other regional leaders. His push for self-determination has shaped the region’s dialogue with the national government on autonomy, and his contributions are still honored in local history.

9. What was the role of Liberation Theology in Conrado Balweg’s journey?

Liberation Theology, which focuses on addressing social inequalities, deeply influenced Conrado Balweg’s actions. His belief in the need to fight for the marginalized Cordilleran people shaped his decision to leave the church and pursue armed resistance before shifting to peace negotiations.

10. Did the Philippine government seek autonomy for the Cordilleras after Balweg’s death?

Yes, Balweg’s work toward regional autonomy continued even after his death. In 1999, under President Joseph Estrada, a committee was formed to address the issue, ensuring that the pursuit of Cordilleran autonomy remains part of the national government’s agenda.

Grace Nabus, Igorota nurse in London, was among the 24 winners of the prestigious Rising Star Awards from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Nov 25, 2020  |  2 min read

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