Coach Mark Sangiao optimistic to regain business loss during lockdown
COVID-19 put the sporting world at a standstill when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the deadly virus a pandemic last March.
Not only did the virus damage people’s daily lives and mindset but also forced several business to shut down, sparking a battle between health and an economic crisis on a global scale.
In the Philippines, around 500 kilometers north from the capital Manila, coach Mark Sangiao of the famed Team Lakay houses a thriving mixed martial arts gym in the mountains of the Cordillera region.
Considered one of the best MMA stables – if not the best – the training ground took a major hit due to the pandemic, Sangiao bared.
“Sobrang laki ng effect. Nag-start ‘yun second week ng March, nag-total lockdown ng 17, then hanggang April and May, closed kami talaga,” the 41-year-old Sangiao told the Manila Bulletin.
As the cases in the region slowly decreased, Sangiao has started to put back in order.
Per protocol, the Lakay founder followed several rules for reopening of businesses such as wearing of face mask, checking of temperature, keeping of records and sanitizing of areas while keeping only 50 percent of customers.
On the professional side, Sangiao monitors his wards through online meetings and trainings while juggling his duties as fitness and gym owner.
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Last June 10, the government implemented a lighter lockdown and put the region at General Community Quarantine. That is when Team Lakay slowly recovered from the economic slump it had suffered since March.
Regardless of the economic crunch, Sangiao remains optimistic that everything will be under control in the “new normal.”
“Babawiin pa lang natin,” the former wushu Southeast Asian Games gold medalist said. “Pero I’m positive na mababawi natin yan matapos lang natin itong problema natin.”
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With that in mind, Sangiao continued the groundwork to recuperate his business by fortifying the online and social media presence of Team Lakay and the Lakay gym.
Team Lakay has partnered with Thailand-based stable and brand Fairtex and promoted several items at hand on their Facebook pages – from training shorts, gloves and mitts, designed with different skins.
“Nakilala ko na rin noon ‘yung marketing ng Fairtex. That was three to four years ago pero nawala ko ‘yung connection,” Sangiao recalled.
“Sa ngayon, partners sila ng ONE, nakilala rin natin sila na-meet ko sila. Co-branding partnership ‘yung mangyayari kasi isa rin sila sa main sponsor natin.”
Aside from that, a daily dose of MMA and Lakay entertainment can be viewed on their YouTube channel “Team Lakay Miles.”
Sangiao, with the help of his vlogger/cameraman Lui Packing, has found a way to reconnect with people and MMA fans amid these trying times and produce several contents featuring the training and daily life of the Lakay athletes.
Also in the channel are several instructional videos, for those who long for MMA action and cannot hit the gym due to quarantine rules.
As the fight against the coronavirus continues, Sangiao and Team Lakay are playing the waiting game, longing to make a comeback from these temporary setbacks.
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The road back will be difficult though, judging from the latest numbers.
The Philippines has recorded 157, 918 total cases, 83, 109 active cases, 72, 209 recoveries and 2,600 deaths as of this writing, Aug. 15, 2020.