IVY BETALMOS

About the Author: Ivy Betalmos is a Criminology student at Bohol Island State University – Balilihan Campus. She is a youth journalist for Kabataan For Change (KFC) and currently serves as the President of Batch Bagwis, the 4th-year graduating class of Criminology students. She is the former President of the Supreme Student Government (SSG), the Campus Student Organization (CSO), and the Aspiring Criminologists of the Philippines Society (ACOPS) of BISU–Balilihan. Ivy is also a TRAILER under YouthLead Philippines and a member of the Local Youth Development Council of Balilihan. She continues to use her voice and platform to represent the youth, promote civic awareness, and advocate for purposeful and transformative leadership.

BISU Criminology Student Strikes Gold in National Arnis Invitational

The art of Arnis, the country’s national martial art and sport, once again brought pride to Bohol as Kent Lester V. Tandoc, a 20-year-old third-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student of Bohol Island State University – Balilihan Campus, emerged victorious in the Bohol 2nd Sandugo National Arnis Invitational Open Tournament held recently in Catigbian, Bohol.

Showcasing discipline, grit, and skill, Tandoc secured an impressive medal haul: a gold medal in the 60–68 kg weight category (Single Live Stick), another gold medal in the Double Live Stick event, and a silver medal in the Team Sparring competition. His achievements highlighted not only his athletic ability but also his perseverance in pursuing excellence in a sport that is deeply rooted in Filipino identity.

Tandoc’s journey in Arnis began during his senior high school years, when he was first introduced to the sport. Guided by his coach and supported by his family, he developed the determination to push through challenges and pursue training under the Arnis de Cabales (ADC) branch, which upholds the values of respect, honesty, and loyalty. “I was inspired by my coach who always helped me improve, and by my family for their love and support,” he said.

The path to victory was not easy. Tandoc recalled how, in his early years, he would sometimes struggle to attend practices, even walking long distances because he had no motorcycle to take him to training sessions. Despite these hardships, he persevered. “I overcame it with discipline, diligence, and perseverance,” he added.

In preparation for the invitational tournament, Tandoc trained rigorously to strengthen his skills while also preparing mentally through prayer. On the day of the competition, nerves initially crept in, but his focus quickly returned once the matches began. “I was anxious at first, but it disappeared once the tournament started. I felt happy and inspired because of the support of my family and the guidance of my coach and master,” he shared.

When his victory was declared, Tandoc described the feeling as both fulfilling and humbling. “I was happy and thankful to God. I wanted to make my family, coach, and master proud,” he said. For him, winning is not the end but a stepping stone toward greater improvement. “Winning doesn’t mean you stop training. I want to keep improving,” he emphasized.

More than medals, Arnis has given Tandoc life lessons that extend beyond the arena. He shared that the sport has shaped his character, instilled discipline, improved his fitness, and boosted his confidence. “Before, I was always on my phone. Now, I’ve met many people, learned discipline, and I’m no longer shy to communicate with others,” he reflected.

Tandoc is set to represent BISU again in the upcoming Boholympics on August 31, 2025. Alongside his athletic pursuits, his long-term goal remains to complete his criminology degree and support his family. He also hopes to give back to the Arnis community by training aspiring athletes and sharing the skills he has developed through years of hard work.

When asked about his message to the youth, he offered a piece of advice grounded in experience. “If you want to join Arnis, you should be determined to train. You won’t get what you want if you don’t work hard for it. And don’t forget to always pray,” he said.

Tandoc expressed gratitude to God for giving him strength, to his family for their unwavering support, to his coach and master for sharpening his skills, and to BISU Balilihan for the trust and encouragement. “I will never fail you in my upcoming tournaments,” he assured.

With his victories and the discipline he has gained, Kent Lester Tandoc not only struck gold for himself but also carried with him the pride of BISU and the enduring legacy of Arnis as a true Filipino sport.