She is the only flower among the thorns. But who said that she can’t prick?
Jonnabelle Angyab is a twenty-one -year-old athlete from La Trinidad, Benguet. She is on her third year as a boxer but she has been fighting the challenges of life longer.
Boxing is a regular thing within Jonnabelle’s family as all her sibling were into the sport. However, being the only daughter among seven broods, she had to endure more than physical training to push through with her chosen sport.
“Noong una nacricriticize ako dahil taboo para sa kanila na nagboboxing ako dahil ito daw ay para lang sa mga lalaki. Nahihirapan din akong magmanage ng time kasi bukod sa pagiging daughter kailangan ko ring magtraining”, Jonnabelle said.
Jonnabelle had to work hard to fulfill her roles as a daughter while building her self as an athlete. But instead of giving up, this gave her the motivation to continue.
“[Dahil sa boxing] nainspire ako sa lessons na natututunan. Andyan ang kailangan mo ng courage na parang isang warrior. Natuto din ako ng perseverance. Through perseverance, kapag may problems sa school dapat mag pursue ka pa rin para sa dreams mo”, Jonnabelle shared.
She also underscored the importance of self-discipline and sportsmanship in being successful in life. All of these, she credits to have learned because of boxing.
Finally, Jonnabelle proved that she can be what ever she wants to be. “Pag tagal, narealize rin nila na kaya naman ng babae,” she said.
“Continue to become and inspiration and move out of your comfort zone kasi doon ka mag-ggrow. Continue to be a life changer. Hindi porke’t babae ka, wala nang magagawa”, Jonnabelle shared.
Although she was able to overcome criticisms, Jonnabelle had to face another test as the whole country suffered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her training had to stop and her family’s income had also been affected.
But Jonnabelle, like the other Juanas in the country, continues to keep on. This is in line with this year’s theme for Women’s Month celebration- “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”.
The Government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region, Office of the President and Office of Senator Christopher Go has extended help to the likes of Jonnabelle. Through the Expanded Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (E-AICS), Jonnabelle received PhP 3,000.00 cash assistance and family food packs. 41 other athletes received the same assistance which aims to help the athletes while they are still getting back on track.
Moreover, 10 families from Baguio City and Benguet who had been victims of fire incident also received a total of PhP 12,000 each and family food packs. The assistance were released on 12 March 2021. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva-Trinidad
