The Philippines will never lack female fighters.
From the pioneer Gina Iniong to the younger generation such as Jenelyn Olsim and Denice Zamboanga, there's always plenty of fighters young girls can look up to.
One of them just rose to the top.
A few days ago, Islay Erika Bomogao became the world number one in the -45kg female elite division of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA)--the first Filipina to do so.
The spark that fueled a dream
Bomogao’s entry into Muay Thai was actually not a calculated move.
“I started it just out of curiosity. As a kid, I was always active. Any game or sport that caught my attention, I tried. Then I found Muay Thai which I really loved,” Bomogao shared to One Sports.
Training alongside some of the Philippines’ biggest MMA stars in Edward Folayang, Geje Eustaquio, and Gina Iniong, Bomogao found her true inspiration.
“I personally witnessed them train, compete and bring honor to our country. And I wanted that too.”
The power of Filipino “puso”
The concept of "puso" may now seem like a cliche for the armchair experts and the keyboard warriors. But for Bomogao, it's a significant factor in her rise.
“My Filipino heritage has had a great impact in my journey as an athlete. We have this concept called 'puso' that has been instilled deeply into me. It taught me grit and a never give up attitude,” she explained.
It bore fruit as she won gold in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Beyond personal determination, her achievements are also rooted in family and the community.
"Our emphasis on family and community has also provided me with such a strong support system that has always been one of the biggest key factors to all my success," Islay said.
A defining championship
Bomogao’s breakthrough moment came at the 2023 World Championships, where she transitioned from Class B to the elite level, locking down a gold medal.
For Bomogao, it marked her as a serious contender among the world’s best.
"I fought the women I’ve been idolizing for years, women who were a lot bigger, older and had more experience. But despite all those, I remained unfazed, composed and did my best," Bomogao shared.
“I then realized that I possessed the potential to reach the top ranks.”
Balancing act
While Bomogao’s dedication to Muay Thai is constant, she admits that balancing training with other aspects of her life remains a challenge.
“I’m honestly still figuring out how to balance everything with training, especially my social life. Being an athlete takes up so much of your time and it really drains you,” she concedes.
Even with her recent graduation from college with a degree in Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Baguio with as a cum laude, the demands of her sport often leave her drained, with little energy for social activities.
However, when time allows her to, Bomogao enjoys simple pleasures in life.
"When given ample time and long vacations, I like to bake and cook for my family when at home, binge watch series, go mountaineering and cafe hopping," she shared.
“Thankfully, I have a loving family and real friends who understand and help me.”
Inspiring young girls
As Bomogao continues to reign in the Muay Thai world, she remains committed when it comes to inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.
Her advice is clear and simple:
“No matter what sport you choose to excel in, always give your best. Do it with enthusiasm, passion, resilience and discipline.”
“Also, surround yourself with the right people. Those who provide genuine guidance,support, love, and valuable insights that will help you grow as an athlete.”
“Lastly, in times of victory, be glorious. In times of failure, be graceful and learn from it,” she advised.
Fairly easy words to say, but not so easy to live by.
As a fighter, Islay knows what it's like to absorb defeats all too well. So how does she come back from it?
“In the face of setbacks, injuries and other difficulties, the power of resilience taught me that success is not just merely winning. But how we conquer adversities as well,” she said.
Bomogao’s story is far from over, but she has already secured her place among the elite athletes, with the world watching as she makes herstory.