Mariano and Gonzales showing their medals at AXC.
MANILA, Philippines—BMX stunts icon Armand Mariano and skateboard sensation Jeff Gonzales won in the Best Trick Contest on June 29 and 30 at the Rakan Muda Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Mariano took home the Bronze medal in the BMX Best Trick Contest with his patented backflip fakie, while Gonzales landed for silver in the Skateboard Best Trick Competition.
About 17 countries joined the two-day event.
“Urge Media, the promoter of local extreme sports in the Philippines, is very proud of what extreme sport in the Philippines has achieved,” said Jon Naguit, CEO and president of Urge Media.
“Even though we lack government support and athlete management support for this guys, and lack of training facility such as skateparks like in other countries, we still manage to land in the podium, that’s what we call a Filipino Lion Heart,” Naguit said.
“Although Urge Media is not the official representative for AXC, we want to help in promoting their achievement in whatever way we can,” he said.
Cobra-Urge Ride Rules! Tour, Season 1- Grand Champion-Dan Lopez, is also part of the Philippine contingent. He landed 20th in the BMX Park Contest. Lopez sustained injuries during his run, while Armand Mariano came out 6th place in this category.
Armand Mariano will be part of the Grand Finals of Cobra-Urge Ride Rules Tour,Season 2, which is tentatively set on September 28 at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine. Mariano will be feted to the Grand Champion in the Box Jump Contest in a Game of Bike contest winner take all match.