PHOTOS: Pinoy One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Welcomed in Big Parade

One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Baguio City Parade

Baguio City officials organized a parade for newly crowned ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang last Friday, 9 December. Folayang won the title at ONE: DEFENDING HONOR which took place 11 November at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran defeated former champion, Japanese MMA legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki via third round technical knockout.

One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Baguio City Parade

ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang receives a Hero’s Welcome Parade in Baguio City with his cousin, three-time World Wushu Champion Divine Masadao Wally held 9 December, 2016, on a beautiful Friday afternoon. The parade was launched from Luneta Hill at SM Baguio, proceeding to Session Road and Magsaysay Ave., and ending at Baguio City Hall.

One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Baguio City Parade

The parade featured performers in traditional Igorot garb native to the Benguet region and the Philippine mountain province as they trailed the float bearing a mock display of the ONE Lightweight World Championship belt attached to the bullbar of a pick-up truck. Folayang waved to fans as the parade traversed down the city’s most populous areas.

One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Baguio City Parade

Locals lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the newly crowned champion Folayang with the ONE Lightweight World Championship belt draped over his shoulder. Filipino fight fans love MMA and have a rich martial arts culture particularly in Baguio City, where some of the Philippines’ finest warriors have originated.

One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Baguio City Parade

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan received ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang and his cousin, three-time World Wushu Champion Divine Masadao Wally at Baguio City Hall with a program commemorating their congratulatory city resolution for their recent sports achievements. In center of photo are Folayang and Domogan in traditional Igorot bahag, Team Lakay Coach Mark Sangiao, and other Baguio City officials.

One Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang Baguio City ParadeEduard Foyang (Right) and Divine Masadao Wally (Center) take a photo with Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan (Left)

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