National kendo team upbeat of Asean medal chances

MANILA, Philippines - A crack Philippine team sets out for the ASEAN kendo tournament, ready to do battle against the best in the region when the 11th staging of the event is held July 9-10 at the Sports Ground 2 of the Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in Bangkok.

Head coach Naoko Morishima has assembled a fighting unit culled from a slew of kendo enthusiasts from various clubs with the team undergoing training and preparation the last three months.

“The team has vastly improved both in terms of skills and camaraderie in such a short time,” said Morishima. “While there’s still much room for improvement, I’m optimistic we can come up with a good showing and maybe even pull off a few surprises.”

Kurt Alvarez, Matthew Arce, Andre Brillantes, Gerard Cagatan, Robert Dela Cruz, Lorenz Duka, Joshua Espiritu,Vincenzo Hernandez, Johnny Lardera Jr. and Paul Miñoza make up the men’s side vying in individual competition while the women’s players include Maria Bianca Abriol-Santos, Ethyl Jane Angeles, Abegail Brillantes, Verna Lynn Chiongbian, Loida Estanilla-Inting, Elvira Inoue, Vangielyn Joy Joson, Angelyn Mercado, Tamorah Sison and Ma. Denise Verastigue.