She is the only flower among the thorns. But who said she can’t prick?
Jonnabelle Angyab is a 21-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 siblings were into the sport. However, being the only daughter among a brood of seven, she had to endure more than physical training to push through with her chosen sport.
“Noong una na-cri-criticize ako dahil taboo para sa kanila na nagbo-boxing ako dahil ito daw ay para lang sa mga lalaki. Nahihirapan din akong mag-manage ng time kasi bukod sa pagiging daughter kailangan ko ring mag-training,” Jonnabelle said.
Jonnabelle had to work hard to fulfill her roles as a daughter while building herself as an athlete. But instead of giving up, this gave her the motivation to continue.
“Dahil sa boxing na-inspire ako sa lessons na natututunan. Andyan ang kailangan mo ng courage na parang isang warrior. Natuto din ako ng perseverance. Through perseve-rance, kapag may problems sa school dapat mag-pursue ka pa rin para sa dreams mo,” Jonnabelle said.
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.
Jonnabelle proved that she can be whatever she wants to be.
“Pagtagal, na-realize 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-go-grow. Continue to be a life changer. Hindi dahil babae ka, wala nang magagawa,” Jonnabelle said.
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. – Press release
April 26, 2024
