Mark Sangiao: A father of two homes

Shoes are not allowed inside the house because the red and blue rubber floor mats might get dirty. Inside the house, tall punching bags are placed parallel to each other and an octagon cage with chain-link metal fences can be seen in one corner. A large room with bright lights, warm ambiance, welcoming staff- the first of Mark Sangiao’s home. Located in the third floor of RD Square Building in Pico La Trinidad, this is where ‘The Machine’ hones Team Lakay athletes’ martial arts skills.

Founded in 2003 by Sangiao, the team has been actively participating in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) events until now. Coach Mark said that one reason why the team lasted is because of the trust they have for each other, like a family.

Despite of the bond they have, coach Mark pointed out that his treatment towards Team Lakay members during training varies.

“Yung pag-handle ko sa kanila ay based doon sa level nila. Yung mga professional na dapat hindi pasigaw, sinasabi ko nang maayos. Sa mga baguhan medyo strikto. May adjustment, kailangan kong I-base doon sa level nila yung treatment,” Sangiao explained in an interview.

(The way I handle them during training is based on their level. To those who are already professionals, I do not shout at them. I am strict when it comes to the beginners. There is an adjustment, I need to base the way I coach them on their level.)

“This technique helps the novice athletes to be mentally tough and to thrive more.”

As the father figure of the team, Coach Mark has been with each member’s triumph and defeat. He witnessed how some of his members became too proud of themselves.

According to him, "May ilan ang gumaling at lumaki yung ulo. Malaking role din yung pagko-coach, kailangan ma-correct mo yung mga atleta para hindi sila mawala. Success destroys success itself. Noong naging successful na sila nakalimutan na nila kung saan sila nanggaling."

(Some became great [in their sport] but became too proud of themselves. The role of a coach takes a big part in guiding the athletes to be on the right track. Success destroys success itself. When they became successful, they forget where they came from.)

He also witnessed how some strive to achieve their dreams in life. Sangiao cited Edward Folayang’s story, “Nine silang magkakapatid, lima ang namatay dahil sa sakit [dahil] sa kahirapan. Pero despite sa hardship na yun nakapagtapos silang apat tapos nagchampion pa siya… naging Hero of the Year din siya noong 2018.”

(They are nine siblings in the family, five died because of illness and poverty. Despite the hardship, the four of them finished their studies; he became a champion... he was also named Hero of the Year on 2018.)

In the past month, Team Lakay had continuously been on the news because of their ONE Championship wins. Gina Iniong’s Atom Weight World Title, and Joshua Pacio’s Straw Weight World Title were one of the milestones for the team’s head coach.

Amid the team’s success, Coach Mark had been appointed as the General Governor by the Executive Director of SKP or the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas. SKP is the national governing body for the kickboxing sports in the Philippines.

Despite of the new responsibility given to him, Sangiao is confident in handling both Team Lakay and the SKP. He pointed out that, “Ang maganda kasi doon sa SKP at sa SKP MMA, iisa lang yun. Yung MMA kasi combination yun ng disciplines- Striking, Wrestling, Wushu, Muay Thai, (at) Kickboxing. Isang part lang noon ang Kickboxing. So hindi malayo, hindi siya masyadong nakaka-istorbo.”

(It is a good thing that SKP and SKP MMA are almost the same. MMA is a combination of disciplines-- striking, wrestling, Wushu, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. Kickboxing is just a part of that. They are almost the same, it is not a disturbance.)

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Another Mark Sangiao has started his MMA journey. Greatly influenced by his dad, the young fighter and now member of the Junior Muay Thai Philippine Team, Jhanlo Mark Sangiao set foot in the MMA world.

Coach Sangiao said that he never forced Jhanlo to be in MMA, he actually want his son to be a lawyer. The young fighter instead insisted that he wants to be a champion.

When his son told him this, coach Mark could not do anything but support his son. He said, “Siyempre anak mo yan, kung ako nga eh tinry ko. Depende kung mamahalin niya yan, kung maging passion niya yan. Kasi yun naman yung kailangan nating hanapin. Kung ano yung binigay sa atin ng Panginoon na gift para yun ang I-improve natin at yun yung magiging career natin.”

(Of course, that is your child. I tried it myself; why should I stop him. It depends on whether he will love it, if that will be his passion. After all, that's what we need to find. What the Lord has given us is a gift for us to improve and that will be our career. )

As the father to both Team Lakay and Jhanlo, Sangiao has aced the responsibility for both because of passion. He said, “Gaano man kahirap ang ginagawa mo kung gustong gusto mo hindi mahirap.”

(No matter how hard it is if you really like what you are doing, it will not be difficult at all.)

By Alyssa Castanares