Sacrifices yield gold medal for Filipina arnis champ

Jezebel Morcillo contributes gold to Philippines’ growing number of medals from arnis. Photo by Marc Reyes/INQUIRER

NEW CLARK CITY — Volume of hits and an in-out assault.

Jezebel Morcillo employed that strategy in fashioning out her gold-medal performance late Sunday in arnis competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“I should throw more hits, be aggressive. Then go in-out to confuse the opponent,” said Morcillo in Filipino.

As soon as she was able to do the game plan, things went better and better, according to Morcillo, who overwhelmed Vietnam’s Thi Hoang Nguyen in the -50 kilogram final.

“I don’t know what to say, I feel very blessed,” said Morcillo in between sobs.

She left her job as an airline ticketing agent back in her hometown of Davao City to train in Manila. And it was well worth it.

“I sacrificed a lot, my work and personal life because I had to train for five months (in Manila),” added Morcillo.

She picked up the fifth gold for Team Philippines in Day 1 of arnis competitions at Angeles University Foundation.

“I just hope Filipino youth pick up the sport because this is our very own martial art,” Morcillo added.