The Philippine Team did remarkably well in the 9th WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2014 held in Aguascalientes, Mexico last October 30 to November 2. Team Philippines was on a roll, garnering three gold, two silver, and three bonze medals.
I was able to interview and have a nice chat with one of the multi-awarded athletes of this competition, Jean Pierre Sabido.
Jean Pierre Sabido started at the age of 12 in his hometown, General Santos City, in the Philippines. When people ask him why he chose continuing taekwondo even after graduating college at the University of the Philippines, he says, “I want a different story.”
“I don’t set limits for myself. I knew what I wanted. I believe that in anything we achieve in life, sports or academics, we achieve it twice. First in the mind, second in reality.”
He said that first, you have to see yourself win. You have to see yourself on the podium. And that your second achievement is to make it reality, to make it happen. He said to go for your dreams while you have the strength of youth.
This year, Jean Pierre Sabido had two major competitions. The first competition was the Asian Championships held in Uzbekistan. This was the turning point for him. He told himself that if he won a gold in his freestyle routine, he’d compete for the World Championships. And he did! He bagged one gold and one silver medal. The 9th WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2014 was his latest, final, and best competition. There he won three awards: a gold medal in the team male event with Glenn Lava and Ernesto de Guzman, Jr., another gold for the individual male category, and was named the Male MVP in the freestyle poomsae category.
“Taekwondo is one the fastest growing sports in the country, and what’s beautiful is that the new event, [the] poomsae event, gives more opportunities for the youth who aren’t interested in combat sports, since poomsae is a non-combat sport.”
He is currently teaching at the De La Salle University. He wants to inspire the younger generation, because he says that when the team does win, it gives others hope.
Check out our interview here! Just click the link below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNeDjiq9eZU
Thank you, Lucca Bakery, for letting us carry out our interview there! Lucca Bakery is located on the 5th floor of the SM Mega Fashion Hall.
~Chloe
VeryChloe 
I saw JP Sabido compete in Aguascalientes. Truly proud of him and the rest of the Philippine team. Very cohesive, confident and disciplined group. I was hoping they’d get more media coverage for their outstanding efforts, so I’m glad you decided to interview JP. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang UP!
Indeed! Thank you very much. I do hope Filipino athletes can get the support we need. 🙂 Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!