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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Bev Alarcon hopes historic fencing feat will inspire more Filipinos

Bev Alarcon hopes historic fencing feat will inspire more Filipinos

Published Aug 11, 2025 09:48 am
Beverly Gay Alarcon shows off her gold medal after ruling the Women’s Sabre 50 at the Navy Open Fencing Championships 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand from August 1 to 3, 2025. [photo credit: Ezkrima Fencing Club]
Beverly Gay Alarcon shows off her gold medal after ruling the Women’s Sabre 50 at the Navy Open Fencing Championships 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand from August 1 to 3, 2025. [photo credit: Ezkrima Fencing Club]
Beyond the Game 
Bev Alarcon hopes historic fencing feat will inspire more Filipinos
By Brian N. Yalung
Beverly Gay Alarcon has once again proved that age is just a number with her remarkable performance at the Navy Open Championships 2025, held at Fashion Island Mall in Bangkok, Thailand, from Aug. 1 to 3.
The 51-year-old Filipina fencer delivered an extraordinary haul, winning 6 of the 10 medals earned by the Philippines. Alarcon captured gold in the Women’s Foil 50+, Women’s Épée 50+, and Women’s Sabre 50+.
She also secured silver in the Foil 35+ and Sabre 35+, along with a bronze in the Women’s Épée 35+.
“The six-medal personal victory boosts my belief in what I can do—that I should not limit myself at this age. All the foreigners and Thais there were amazed at what I could achieve as a 51-year-old Filipina veteran fencer. They even called me ‘superwoman,’” Alarcon shared.
“This is not just for the Philippines but for all women. I do this because I love the sport and I want to grow as a veteran athlete. This gives me a sense of fulfillment even in my 50s,” added the Eskrima president.
Her husband, Rodolfo Alarcon Jr., also earned multiple podium finishes—silver in the Vet-50 Men’s Sabre, and bronze in both the Vet-50 Men’s Foil and Vet-40 Men’s Sabre.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand Barroquillo Jr., a student of Alarcon, brought home a Blue Medal after placing in the Top 7 of the Veterans Men’s Sabre 40+.
A sport made for Filipinos
Alarcon admits her passion for fencing comes from a pure love for the sport, not for recognition or accolades.
“For the Philippines, I just enjoy playing as a Filipino. I don’t expect anything in return from the country,” the veteran fencer and coach said.
Instead, she hopes her commitment will inspire more Filipinos to try fencing.
“Fencing is a sport where Filipinos can truly excel. This has been proven with the first female fencing Olympian in the last Paris Olympics, and now with the success of our young and veteran Filipino fencers,” she pointed out.
“By winning these medals, I hope I’ve done my duty as a Filipino citizen. I want to show the world what a Filipina can achieve and inspire our fellow Filipinos, especially Filipinas,” she concluded.
The success of Team Eskrima at the Navy Open Championships 2025 is one for the books—a powerful reminder that age is never a hindrance when the passion to succeed continues to burn brightly.
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