01/06/2026
Shantal Kirsten Domingo of the UB Cardinals Combative Club, a Junior High School student, has been paving her way by bagging gold medals at the National Kickboxing Championship last May and at the National Combat Taekwondo Championship. Recently, Shantal brought home another gold medal at the Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan del Sur. Although Kickboxing was still a demonstration sport, Shantal showed that she could rise above the competition and showcase her talent on one of the country’s biggest sporting stages.
With this victory, she was also recognized for her outstanding academic performance, earning honors while continuing to excel in her athletic career.
Balancing academics and sports is never easy, but for Shantal, both are equally important parts of her journey. Between training sessions, competitions, school requirements, and examinations, she has learned to manage her time wisely and stay committed to her goals. While pressure and challenges are inevitable, she believes that success comes from enjoying the process rather than focusing solely on the difficulties.
Her achievements prove that being excellent in both academics and sports does not require living under constant stress. Instead, it takes discipline, passion, and a genuine love for what you do. By embracing both her studies and her sport, Shantal continues to inspire young athletes that it is possible to pursue excellence in the classroom and in competition while still enjoying the journey.
We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the coaches and mentors who played a significant role in Shantal’s journey and development as an athlete. Their guidance, dedication, and unwavering support have greatly contributed to her success on and off the competition floor.
Special thanks to Coach Noriel Dawn Acquisio, Ma’am Agustina Malecdan, Coach Francisco Wangag, and Ma’am Thea Shivonne Baculi for their invaluable assistance and commitment throughout her preparations and competitions, particularly during the Palarong Lungsod and her journey representing the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Also, To all UB Seniors, Coach Dare L. Malecdan and Whole Family of UB Combative Club. Their efforts have helped shape Shantal into the athlete and student she is today.
