WOMEN WARRIORS, WORLD CHAMPS

BAGUIO – Islay Bomogao and Rudzma Abubakar have proven that Filipina warriors can conquer the world. Despite the various challenges that have faced them from Benguet to Mindanao, their hard work has caused their paths to converge here at the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines training facility in Teachers Camp, and on to world conquest.

Abubakar was not into sports at all, until one day, as she was hanging out at her grandfather’s store, she was offered a chance to train in the Thai martial art. There was no indication that she would pursue it, much less become a national athlete.

“I wasn’t sporty at all,” she admits. “After the first time, I didn’t want to do it anymore. Then I tried again, and learned to like it. It also gave me something to be known for in school. It gave me an identity.”

Just last May, Abubakar reached the zenith of her sport, claiming a gold (mai muay) and bronze (senior female elite) at the IFMA Senior World Championship in Antalya, Turkey. The wins came just days before her graduation from Benguet State University (BSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences degree from the College of Human Kinetics. Now, she is focused on winning a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok next month. She and Bomogao know that strange things happen in Thailand when they leave it in the hands of the judges. Islay, a proud Igorot, knows better than to leave her destiny in someone else’s hands.

“My ancestors and my parents are warriors,” she declares. “About 300 years ago, the Spanish came up to take over the Cordilleras. They were never able to penetrate, because our ancestors were very good fighters.”

Bomogao, who is taking on her fourth fight in ONE Championship in two weeks, adds that competing professionally has been a big help in her amateur career. Bomogao fought her way to two golds in Turkey (wai kru and mai muay), surprising the entire muaythai community.

“I wasn’t expecting to win,” Islay admits. “Only my coaches believed I could do it. They told me that I am at the same elite level as the others. I’m so proud to bring honor to the country.”

Both fighters shrugged off being unknown, being underdogs, and being underestimated. Deep down, they both have hearts of a champion. And both are driven by being an inspiration and being inspired by young Filipinas who look up to them.

Be safe everyone.

2025-11-09T16:31:35Z