Gregory Piedad’s bronze victory in Kickboxing

It was never a doubt for Gregory Caleb Piedad, a Pines City National High School 10th grade student, to enter the world of kickboxing, as he won the bronze medal in the Kicklight 52 kg older cadet (13-15 y/o) boys category in the Batang Pinoy 2024 at Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

It was in high school where he first encountered sports as he witnessed his classmates practicing Muay Thai and Kickboxing and noticed how these made them mentally and physically stronger which gave him the motivation to start it as well.

Gregory gradually adapted to the tough training as he did a lot of sprints and weight training that was monitored by his coach while he was on a strict diet.

“Every time I lose weight, it feels as if everything is heavy and harder to do, because once you lose weight and don’t eat for a long period of time, you would feel weak,” he said.

Participating in Batang Pinoy 2024, Gregory put his time and effort into preparing for the upcoming fights where he grabbed his hard-earned medal. “Honestly, I felt like I redeemed myself from everything I have been doing all this time — the training, the weight cuts, and everything else is just a great way to receive a reward,” he stressed.

During his fights, Gregory shared how he struggled to defend himself against his opponent from General Santos, which resulted in a loss.

“Although I have the stronger power, he has the greater technique, and it was a game of points, not power,” he explained.

Despite the loss, Gregory knew that his family, friends and teammates were behind him and supported him, which fuels his drive to improve and reach for a greater goal.

Despite kickboxing taking up his after-school hours, he gives great importance to his education and finds ways to catch up to lessons he missed, asking for assistance and even watches YouTube tutorials on his subjects. Winning in the competition was a dream come true, and for Gregory, kickboxing is his life, dream as well as a stress reliever.

“You are stronger than you think, once you realize it, nothing is impossible,” Gregory said as he encourages his fellow youth to engage in sports.

He joined the Palarong Panglungsod this December in the sport of wushu at Lucban Elementary School. – Jaeda Pad-eng, PIO-intern / Gaby Keith