By Farah Dhea B. Galvez, BA Comm-4 Centralian Link Intern

Congratulations to Richard H. Guillen Jr. (left) and Joshue Vicente H. Guillen (right) on Qualifying to the SEAFK Championship. Photo Courtesy of Joshue Vicente Guillen Facebook.

Central Philippine University’s very own karatekas, Richard H. Guillen Jr. and Joshue Vicente H. Guillen, have officially qualified for the 13th Southeast Asian Karate Federation Championship (SEAKFC), donning the national colors to represent the Philippines in Ninh, Binh, Vietnam from July 7 to July 12, 2026. The Guillen brothers secured their spots on the international stage after a stellar performance at the national selection tournament held in Tagaytay last March 2026, where they both clinched bronze medals in their respective divisions. Richard is currently a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management, while his older brother, Joshue Vicente, is a fourth-year student taking a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

The siblings have been competing side by side since their Junior High school days, steadily climbing the ranks from local tournaments to national tatamis, consistently bringing pride to their family and alma mater. Yet, stepping onto the international arena as official delegates for the country marks a profound milestone in their lives. Winning bronze medals at the National Selection Tournament did more than just elevate their athletic careers; it opened a door to a lifelong dream – an opportunity that fills not only their household but the entire Centralian community with immense pride.

However, the road to the international stage is rarely paved with ease. This breakthrough has tested the brothers both physically and financially. Because they are pursuing the exact same dream at the exact same time, the financial weight fell heavily on a single household, with tournament and travel expenses largely drawn from their hard-earned personal and family savings. To prepare for the battle ahead, the brothers had to leave the comfort of home and relocate to the capital region for high-performance training. Day in and day out, they underwent grueling, intensive preparation, pushing their bodies to the absolute limit in technique, conditioning, endurance, and strategic combat.

What anchors them through these immense trials is a shared bond that goes beyond sport, they are brothers fighting for the same flag, matching every drop of sweat with shared resilience. Through every hurdle, their parents, family, coaches, sponsors, teammates, and their supporters never wavered in their belief. Fueled by this unwavering support, the Guillen brothers express their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped pave their way to Vietnam, promising to leave everything on the mat as they fight for the university, their community, and most of all, the Philippines.

Let us stand behind our very own and pray for the success of the Guillen brothers as they raise not only blue and gold, but also the Philippines flag in Vietnam!