2 Filipino-Austrian kids bag 2nd place in Vienna karate championship

Jewael Maliwanag (3rd from left) and cousin Angelo Franco (4th from left) pose for a photo after winning second place at the Austria First Kyokushin Seishin Championship.

MANILA, Philippines–Two Filipino-Austrian children won second place in the Austria First Kyokushin Seishin Championship.

Six-year-old Jewael Maliwanag bagged the second prize in the event participated in by karate enthusiasts from seven countries: host country Austria, Germany, Japan, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan and Poland.

Maliwanag, who competed in the 6-9 years old 17-28-kilogram division, also received the most outstanding student of the year award.

Jewael Maliwanag (left) and Angelo Franco (right) with Kyokushin grandmaster Kancho Iwashita of Japan.

His cousin, Angelo Franco, 9, also placed second in the 9-12 years old, 30 kg-38 kg division.

The parents of the two Filipino-Austrian children hailed from Baco, in the Mimaropa province of Oriental Mindoro.

The event was held in Vienna on December 13 and 14.