BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
For Southeast Asian Games judo silver medalist Khrizzie Pabulayan of Brgy. Latasan, a coastal village in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, poverty was not a hindrance to excellence in international sports competition.
Following her graduation at the EB Magalona National High School in 2013, Khrizzie was uncertain if her family could send her to college.
Then, entering judo was farthest from her mind.
Through encouragement of the friend of her elder sister, Michelle Fe, Khrizzie said she tried judo in order to get a scholarship at University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
Through a strong will and determination to excel the sport, Khrizzie dominated in the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) women’s judo competition, where she was hailed as women’s judo Most Valuable Player in 2018.
After graduating from UST, Khrizzie, 24, said she applied to the Philippine Judo Team, where she was accepted.
Fast forward in 2019 SEA Games in Manila, Khrizzie won a Bronze Medal in Women’s Combat Judo (52 Kg). Three years after, she got a Silver Medal in the Women’s 52 Kg category.
She admitted of feeling the pressure to get the judo gold medal, as she was carrying the Philippine flag, and competing against a Vietnamese the host country of the international sports competition.
Khrizzie said she did her utmost to win, but her opponent prevailed.
While she admits of eyeing the Olympics, Khrizzie, however, said process for qualification appears to be slow in the country due to lack of budget.
Before entering into judo, three other siblings of Khrizzie, Wilmae and Crismar also engaged in judo, with Michelle Fe in track and field and rowing, and cousin, Crisanto, in rowing.
Khrizzie joined the Philippine Coast Guard while her siblings, Michelle Fe and Crismar are with the Philippine Air Force.
The determination of Khrizzie to excel in judo sports has paid off.
Asked her message to the youth of EB Magalona, Khrizzie replied “Keep on dreaming. If you want to excel in sports, push it. You may reach your goal in life later.”*
