By Mikee Natinga Norico
Congratulations Maria Lucy U. Muralla (center), for bagging three gold medals at the 6th Doce Pares World Arnis Championship. CPU is proud of you!
At an age when many athletes begin to ease into the sidelines and step away from the spotlight, a Centralian is just getting started. Defying expectations and redefining limits, Maria Lucy U. Muralla rose to the global stage and clinched three gold medals at the 6th Doce Pares World Arnis Championship in Cebu City—proving that excellence, resilience, and passion only grow stronger with time.
Muralla, a 56-year-old Ilongga martial artist and a certified Black Belt, Dan 1, in Arnis, delivered a commanding performance against more than 300 athletes from around 10 countries. Competing in the Anyo (forms) category, she dominated three events—double espada, espada y daga, and solo espada—sweeping all her entries and securing three gold medals. Her remarkable display of precision, speed, and flexibility impressed both judges and spectators, highlighted by her seamless execution of a full split during one of her routines—a feat rarely seen even among younger competitors.
Organized by Doce Pares, the biennial championship continues to showcase the global reach and cultural significance of Filipino martial arts. In this year’s competition, Muralla emerged as one of its most outstanding figures, embodying both mastery of the sport and deep pride in Filipino heritage. For her, Arnis—also known as Eskrima—is more than a discipline; it is a reflection of identity and patriotism. “Every movement carries who we are as Filipinos,” she emphasized, noting that competing internationally is a way of carrying the nation’s flag and culture onto the global stage.
A woman of excellence: Maria Lucy U. Muralla, awarded as one of the 10 Outstanding Women of Iloilo City 2024.
Beyond the medals, Muralla’s journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose. She shared that her participation was driven not only by personal goals but also by her advocacy for mental and physical health, as well as her desire to inspire others—especially women who may feel limited by age or circumstance. “Whatever stage you are in, it is never too late,” she said. “You are never too young nor too old to achieve your dreams.” She further described martial arts as a means of achieving balance in life, nurturing both mind and body amid everyday challenges.
Muralla is currently finishing her Doctor of Education degree, with a concentration in Guidance and Counseling, at the CPU Graduate School. Her leadership within the university is equally notable, having served as Governor of the CPU Graduate School from 2010 to 2011 and currently as its Vice Governor in 2026. Her academic pursuits align with her extensive professional background, which includes 30 years in the field of psychology as a Licensed Guidance Counselor, Licensed Psychometrician, and Licensed Professional Teacher.
A highly accomplished individual beyond sports, Muralla is also a prolific speaker with over 180 engagements across local, national, and international platforms. Her accolades include being named one of the Ten Outstanding Women of Iloilo City, Top Woman of Asia, and Outstanding Volunteer Awardee for 2025 by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (formerly NEDA) Region VI. She was recognized by Toastmasters International District 75 as the Outstanding Division Toastmaster of the Year (2025) and was also a Bugal Awardee of the University of San Agustin. In addition, she is a yoga instructor, an advanced piano student at the Conservatory of Music, and is currently undergoing training as a Pilates instructor.
Muralla currently serves as a Senior Labor and Employment Officer at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VI, where she has earned distinctions such as Best Regional Program Manager in 2020—the first recipient of the award—and an Outstanding Performance Award in 2021.
Her success in the international arena was guided by her coach, Master Nilo Sara, and influenced by Grandmaster Melecio Balberde. The awards were personally conferred by World Eskrima Arnis Federation President Steve Wolk and Doce Pares Founder Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio Cañete, underscoring the significance of her achievement.
Muralla’s triumph is more than a personal victory; it is a powerful narrative of resilience, lifelong learning, and unwavering dedication. As she continues to break barriers in both academics and athletics, she stands as an inspiring figure for the Centralian community and beyond—reminding all that passion, discipline, and faith can lead to extraordinary accomplishments at any stage of life.