Homegrown talent lit up the piste at the 2025 PFA National Open Fencing Championship as three Ormocanon fencers powered through to secure spots on the Philippine National Team bound for the Southeast Asian Games this December.
Held at the Ormoc City Superdome, Day 4 of the national fencing tournament proved to be a thrilling showcase of Western Leyte’s rising stars. Alexa Larrazabal claimed the gold medal in Women’s Epee after a fierce battle that captivated the hometown crowd.
Juliana Gomez and Ivy Dinoy also delivered commanding performances and clinched bronze medals in the same category. Their efforts earned them a coveted spot on the Women’s Epee Philippine National Fencing Team.
All three fencers will now represent the country at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, this coming December.
Strong finish at home court
Ormoc’s support was undeniable throughout the championship. The Superdome roared with pride as Larrazabal sealed her final bout. Her sharp footwork and timing showcased months of preparation, while her composure under pressure impressed both fans and coaches.
Meanwhile, Gomez, the daughter of 4th District of Leyte Representative Richard I. Gomez and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, demonstrated strategic prowess. Despite narrowly missing the finals, she secured a bronze medal with confident strikes and clean parries.
Dinoy rounded out the medal haul with poise, earning praise for her tenacity and endurance during the elimination rounds. Her placement on the national team was seen as a breakthrough, as she is one of the youngest in the competition’s elite tier.
Road to Bangkok
Their qualification for the national team marks not just a personal victory but a momentous one for Ormoc City, now increasingly known for producing elite-level athletes in fencing.
Local officials expressed their congratulations, recognizing the trio’s dedication to the sport and their representation of Ormoc’s spirit on the global stage.
These victories reflect the city’s growing investment in athletic development and the potential of regional talents to shine in high-stakes competitions.
As the countdown to the 2025 SEA Games begins, the three Ormocanons will head into national training camp with eyes set on the podium once again — this time for the Philippines.
Their story is not just about medals, but about perseverance, community support, and national pride carved out on the piste.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.