Zach Bryant Barquera, a 2nd-year BS-Agribusiness student, representing Ormoc City and Arnis de Caballes, bags the gold medal for the Live Stick competition and bronze medal for the Padded Stick competition in his Super Heavy Male Category (18-45) +100 kg, during the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Visayas Qualifying Tournament, held at Minglanilla Sports Complex, Cebu; January 6-8, 2023.
"I've been doing the sport Arnis for almost ten years. My current rank is Master 2. As VSU was having its Christmas break, I mostly spent my time training from early morning to evening to improve my skills and endurance in preparation for the said event. All in all, I spend my Christmas break training." said Barquera.
Barquera is qualified to represent team Visayas in the upcoming Battle of the Champions 2023, which will be held in Manila.
"I'm currently balancing my time training at the VSU campus in preparation for my next event in the nationals. With regards to my words of inspiration, take the opportunity/risk or lose the chance, dedicate yourself to your goal, and offer everything to the Lord."
Barquera is now doubling his effort in training to dominate the Battle of the Champions and earn his spot to represent the Philippines in the next Southeast Asian Games.