Like mother, like daughter: Malipol, Morales share fencing podium

By Edwin Rollon

It was a special mother-daughter moment on the fencing strip as Glowlyn Malipol and her 13-year-old daughter Christine May Morales both stood on the podium at the recently concluded 2nd Leg Mini-Me and Veterans National Ranking Competition at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

While Morales once again took the spotlight by winning the gold medal in the Under-14 Women’s Foil, her mother Malipol also delivered a strong performance to claim silver in the Veterans Women’s Epee, giving the family an extra reason to celebrate.

For Morales, winning gold became even more meaningful when her mother joined her on the podium.

“I’m very happy that I won the gold, but what makes it more special is that my mom also won a medal. We were both on the podium, and I’m very proud and happy that we can share this victory together,” Morales said.

Morales, a promising University of the East student-athlete, beat Ma. Alana Angelique Ribaya of Canlas Fencing, 10-4, in the championship bout to add another gold medal to her growing collection.

She marched into the finals after defeating Eliora Lenie Dela Cruz of Hampton Fencing, 10-4, while Ribaya earned her championship berth with a 10-8 victory over Lily Raine Macapagal of Oblation Fencing.

In the preliminary rounds, Morales dominated her Republic Fencing opponents Julia Lauren Reyes, 10-1, and Vince Avery Asperin, 10-4.

Malipol, meanwhile, bannered Quezon City SEP and settled for the silver medal after losing to Beverly Gay Alarcon of Luzon Elite Fencing Club in the finals.

She earned her spot in the championship match by edging Gay Marie Rafael of Republic Fencing, 10-9, after earlier defeating Rafael’s teammate Michelle Ragot, 10-4.

The Philippine Fencing Association organized the tournament with support from the Philippine Sports Commission.

Morales’ latest triumph further strengthened her credentials as one of the country’s leading young fencers. She recently ruled the 3rd Leg Cadet and Junior Championships at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila, where she defeated several older opponents.

The Grade 8 student-athlete and scholar also made her mark on the international stage last month after capturing the gold medal at the Southeast Asia Fencing Federation Junior and Cadet Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With another international tournament set for December 1-10 in Kuala Lumpur, Morales said the latest victory has given her additional motivation to continue working hard.

“This victory really boosts my confidence and fighting spirit. I know I still have a lot to improve, so I will continue training hard and prepare myself for the next international competition,” she said.

For Morales, however, the latest tournament was more than another medal.

It was a memorable family achievement—one where a daughter’s gold and a mother’s silver shared the same podium.