Graphics by Zean Clifford Dellera

For 17-year-old Elieakim Baguilod, taekwondo was never meant to be more than a fun after-school activity. But what began as a casual hobby has evolved into a full-fledged passion, driving the EVSU-Secondary Laboratory Student standout to the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, from November 23-28. Now, Elieakim is poised to compete against the nation’s best, proving that even the most unexpected beginnings can lead to greatness.

Elieakim’s entry into the world of taekwondo wasn’t a premeditated decision. She didn’t grow up dreaming of championships or perfecting her kicks and forms. In fact, her introduction to the sport came in 2017 as a casual hobby.

“It was just for fun at first,” she recalls, thinking back to the early days when taekwondo was merely an after-school activity. But as time passed and her talent began to emerge, Elieakim started to realize that what she had stumbled upon could become much more than just a pastime.

Her journey took a serious turn when she began competing and tasting success. One of her biggest breakthroughs came earlier this year at the District Meet Poomsae held at Leyte Normal University (LNU) where she clinched the gold medal.

“That win gave me so much confidence,” she says. “It made me feel like I could really compete at a higher level, not just locally.”

And compete at a higher level she did. Elieakim went on to secure a silver medal in the Regional Poomsae and Kyurogi competition held in Abuyog, further establishing herself as one of the top athletes in the region. She also earned bronze at the Visayas Age Group Poomsae, a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive field. These victories cemented her reputation as a rising star in the sport, but they also fueled her ambition for something greater: the chance to represent Region VIII at the national level.

That opportunity came in September 2024, when Elieakim’s hard work culminated in a standout performance during the Region VIII qualifiers. Her impressive showing secured her a coveted spot in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships, where she will compete against the best young taekwondo athletes in the country.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, poomsae may seem like a series of carefully choreographed moves. However, to athletes like Elieakim, it’s a demanding art form, one that requires a perfect balance of precision, power, and grace.

“It’s like dancing,” she explains. “But instead of just flowing, you also have to show strength and control in every movement.” It’s this combination of artistry and discipline that has drawn Elieakim deeper into the sport, pushing her to constantly improve her form and technique.

Despite her accomplishments, Elieakim remains grounded. “Grateful, grateful la po sobra, waray ak mag expect nga ighahatag adto ha akon,” she says humbly, expressing surprise at how far she has come in such a short time. Her humility is one of the qualities that endear her to her community, who have rallied around her as she takes on this new challenge.

“Thank you, because all of you serve as my motivation and inspiration para upayon ko it akon performance,” she says, acknowledging the people—her family, friends, and coaches—who have supported her every step of the way.

As the Batang Pinoy National Championships approach, Elieakim knows the competition will be fierce. Poomsae is a discipline where the margin for error is razor-thin. Judges scrutinize every movement, from the smallest shift in posture to the fluidity of transitions between forms. But despite the high stakes, Elieakim remains focused and determined. “This is my moment,” she says confidently, aware of the weight on her shoulders but ready to rise to the occasion.

Win or lose, Elieakim’s journey is already a victory in the eyes of those who have followed her from her first steps in taekwondo to this pivotal moment in her young and bright taekwondo career. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and the belief that no matter where you come from, with enough hard work, you can achieve great things. Elieakim Baguilod may be heading to Puerto Princesa in pursuit of a gold medal, but for her community and supporters, she’s already a champion. Her journey from a casual interest to representing her region on the national stage is a shining example of how far passion and dedication can take you—both in sports and in life.

Article by Marvin Dave Bustillo