
The Lakay team is not only the home of martial arts warriors. The famous gymnasium is also the stable of natural teachers.
Last week, former ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang led Team Lakay’s donation campaign at Benguet National High School. The Lakay team collaborated with ONE Warrior Series and donated a 70-inch Android smart TV, a futsal set, a whiteboard and a host of educational toys to the school.
Folayang, along with his Lakay team mates, handed over the equipment to BeNHS director Nestor O. Dalay-on.
According to the school, BeNHS special education teacher Mercy O. Gorospe deliberately solicited the items for SPED students at the school.
Also present for the fundraiser were ONE World Strawweight Champion Joshua Pacio, former ONE World Bantamweight Champion Kevin Belingon, former ONE World Featherweight Champion Honorio Banario, Lito Adiwang, Edward Kelly and Jeremy Pacatiw.
Team Lakay Foundation representatives Rogelio Capan and Jayvie Espada also attended the event.
Folayang, a career martial artist, is also one of the most knowledgeable people on the ONE Championship roster.
The 38-year-old is a licensed teacher with a degree in education from the University of the Cordilleras in 2008. After passing the teacher license exam, Folayang taught English and physical education.
Although he has moved away from the classroom, Folayang is still very much involved in the educational process, albeit in an unconventional way.
Affectionately referred to as “Manong Ed” by his teammates and friends, the MMA legend is one of the most important voices on Team Lakay and he uses his influence to guide his young teammates through life.
He may not have a match scheduled yet, but he is keen to watch ONE 159: De Ridder vs Bigdash on July 22, with the event being broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.