Behind Rika Ishige’s Pretty Smile: A Lady Who Courageously Battled Bullying

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Rika “Tindydoll” Ishige may be Thailand’s most beloved female martial artist today, but she was once disliked and relentlessly bullied by her schoolmates because of her appearance.

Her unquestioned and undying self-confidence has not always been so readily available and accessible in Ishige’s arsenal during her youth.

While her fierce demeanor in competition was seen on numerous occasions inside the ONE Championship cage, it was during her formative years where the future Thai martial arts superstar endured the fight of her life.

During her childhood, Ishige was frequently picked on because of her appearance as she is of Thai and Japanese descent that always sported a genuine smile with friendly eyes and was petite in stature.

“When I was a junior in high school, I was bullied by the seniors because I am only half Thai,” she recalled. “At first, they made fun of me verbally, like calling me terrible names, and after that I was physically bullied. I got pushed from behind and had my hair pulled.”

With her teachers seemingly turning a blind eye to the bullying, Ishige decided to enroll in a martial arts class in a bid to equip herself with the skills needed to defend herself if the situation required it.

Ishige began her martial arts training at the age of nine with Aikido, Karate and Taekwondo.

“I started martial arts at a young age,” she shared. “It was to challenge myself. I did Karate, Taekwondo and Aikido together. I did not learn martial arts to hurt people. It is just for self-defense.”

As she continued to progress in her martial arts journey, Ishige gained self-confidence and learned how to avoid conflict altogether by growing a thicker skin.

“I became stronger—not only physically, but mentally,” she said. “I felt calmer and better at controlling my emotions.”

Although she initially started learning martial arts for self-defense purposes, it led her to a continuous path of self-improvement.

“You cannot change others, only yourself. You should get physical strength by working out or practicing martial arts to protect yourself from physical or sexual bullying. Also, you will build mental strength for dealing with verbal bullying, including cyberbullying,” she stated.

By the time that she reached her twenties, Ishige dabbled into different combat disciplines such as Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Fascinated by martial arts’ competitive nature, she eventually transitioned from being a student learning the tricks of the trade to becoming a professional competitor.

Ishige turned professional in 2017, acing three of her first four assignments under the ONE Championship umbrella.

After reinserting her name into the winner’s column by submitting Rome Trinidad last December, Ishige seeks to continue her winning ways as she is slated to square off with newcomer Angelie Sabnal of the Philippines.

Hailing from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, Sabnal of is a former Muay Thai practitioner who makes her professional cage debut.

A national Muay Thai silver medalist, Sabnal hones her wide array of skills with other great homegrown talents at Mindanao Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts.

By strapping on four-ounce gloves, Ishige sees it as an honor and privilege to represent Thailand in ONE Championship.

“Martial arts in Thailand has really taken off, and I am proud to be a part of its growth. I have progressed a lot so far in my young career. The possibilities are endless for me, and I will continue to work hard to make my family and my fans proud,” she declared.

Ishige does not expect any problems continuing her venture into the constantly-growing world of martial arts as she believes that she is fully fortified with the task at hand.

“Martial arts is my passion. I'm really happy when I share and learn new things about martial arts with others. I'm surrounded by people who support me in training. It makes me stronger. I am ready for this upcoming bout,” she guaranteed.

The 28-year-old native of Bangkok, Thailand asserted that her fifth professional stint should serve as a platform for people to realize that martial arts has the ability to unleash an individual’s greatest potential.

“Martial arts is not about fighting. Its real aim is to empower both men and women. I would like to continue this campaign for everyone who doesn't understand the beauty of this sport,” Ishige concluded.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship. ​

Marpolo Cabrera Holds Inaugural Solo Exhibit at Gateway Gallery

 Wazzup Pilipinas!

Marco Polo Cabrera, a mass media professional, opens his maiden solo exhibit at Gateway Gallery on March 10, 2018 at 6 pm. His exhibit, Explorations, is a product of his relationship with his art and his experimentation of various styles and techniques. For each work, he draws inspiration by going to his center, a world that he calls his own. Whenever he closes his eyes, he is ushered into a space where he can freely sail through the realm of abstracts.

These Explorations opened his psyche to a wider and bigger perspective of abstract expressionism. It paved the way for him to discover his approach in capturing his thoughts and emotions to create highly personal, indeterminate but intriguing images.  While it is a reflection of his inner self, it is also a symbol that is open to interpretation by the viewers. One sees the nuanced intricacy of these images as brought into fruition by each brush stroke and technique. As an aspiring expressionist, he finds his source of creativity by simply listening to music. His iPod is a loyal companion, enabling him to listen to the music of his choice from a long playlist. Strangely, just like a Synesthete, listening to music makes him see colors, angles, shapes and enable him to “taste” words.

Senses aside, his raw emotions is also a big factor that fuels his EXPLORATIONS. Love, hate, happiness and anger are some of the emotions that ignite his inspiration in this broad world of abstract expressionism. This can be seen and felt in all of his works. Some whisper, some shout, and the rest simply assert itself. At times, his explorations can also be unplanned. Faced with the white canvas, he lifts his brush and just paint automatically. Marpolo Cabrera is an emerging artist to watch out for. While he had a challenging start in his art career, he is confident that he is on his path to establishing his unique but recognizable style.  For him, this is just the beginning of a promising future in the art world. As he grows over time and widens his experiences and reach, it is expected that his art will evolve and grow further. Explorations will run until March 24, 2018. Gateway Gallery is the art museum of Araneta Center. It is open from Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm. It is located at the 5F of Gateway Tower, Araneta Center, Quezon City. Admission to the museum and use of SiningLakbay augmented reality is free. For more information or press inquiry or media coverage, please contact Gateway Gallery at 588-4000 local 8300, gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com or at GatewayGalleryPH FB page.

Yasmien Kurdi and More Are Fit to Love, So Are You

Wazzup Pilipinas!

STARSTRUCK HIV ADVOCATE: Going a long way after her StarStruck win, Yasmien Kurdi joins LoveYourself, Inc. in providing correct and relevant information about HIV-AIDS as the lead ambassador of the Fit To Love campaign (go.loveyourself.ph/fittolove). Fit To Love is LoveYourself’s annual photoshoot for a cause set on 17-18 March 2018 at The Upper Deck Sports Center in Ortigas Technopoint Building, Pasig City.

Character actor Yasmien Kurdi embodies her new role in a local TV series as a person living with HIV (PLHIV) by supporting advocacy group LoveYourself with its “Fit To Love” campaign as its main ambassador together with advocates and influencers in the field.

“The advocacy is to promote love and acceptance to people with HIV,” Kurdi underscored adding that with togetherness, “We can fight and conquer the virus.”

The actress further inspired that “If we are not infected with HIV, we are still affected by it,” which she complemented by doing a simple act of love, such as, supporting rather than discriminating, could actually save a million lives from HIV.

To help the cause by joining Fit To Love, the first step is to register at go.loveyourself.ph/fittolove. Fit To Love is set on 17-18 March 2018 at The Upper Deck Sports Center, 6/F, Ortigas Technopoint Building, 1 Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig City.

Fit To Love: Love Your Body, Live Your Life is a spin off to LoveYourself’s annual photoshoot for a cause in raising awareness on HIV and AIDS. A wider support to the HIV cause could help the country reduce the number of new HIV infection which now scores 31 incidences per day according to the latest Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau report.

In December 2017 alone, a total of 992 individuals were diagnosed to have contracted HIV, 50% of which is falling under the 25-34-year age group, while 33% were aged 15-24 years old.

Also joining Kurdi as Fit To Love ambassadors are conceptual photographer and the Red Whistle founder Niccolo Cosme, Ripple Awardee and Pedal for HIV founder Faustine Angeles Jr., Miss Philippine Earth-Water 2012 Samantha Purvor, Mr. BPO 2017 Lee Bueno, TV host Rodel Flordeliz, VJ Kim Cruz, fashion designer and crossfit athlete Odelon Simpao, creative director and crossfit athlete Gitri San Diego celebrity and make-up artist Jigs Mayuga.

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan pointed out, “Fit To Love calls for inclusivity of all supporters and allies that no matter what their size, shape or HIV status is, they can show the world an inspiring outlook towards their sexual, mental and physical health.”

“Previous campaigns were aimed for individuals to capitalize on self-worth to initiate ripples of positive change, particularly healthy and safe choices. Extending this, we believe one can express a variety of ways how they are fit to love others and themselves,” Pagtakhan relayed.

Fit To Love participants are guaranteed of an official LoveYourself black dry-fit round necked shirt to be worn during the photoshoot with advocacy photographer, Mark Alvarez, and it also comes with a hair and makeup to complete the experience. A digital copy of the portrait will be sent electronically, fit for social media sharing and posting.

All these for only a donation of PhP1,000.00, which will support LoveYourself’s daily operations, programs, and projects by just offering your genuine self love.

Fit To Love is co-presented by The Upper Deck and CASxFACEONE. Our official apparel partner, Blued. Special thanks to Chubs Chasers, Ernest Gatpandan, and InRush Event Management.

For more details on LoveYourself’s services, individuals may visit the group’s official website at www.loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph, Twitter- @loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself.ph.