Filipina wins gold at European ParaKarate championship in Italy

Rome, Italy – Filipina athlete Caroline Bautista Ulep, 39, brought honor to the Philippines and pride to the Filipino community in Italy after winning the gold medal in the Kata K30 Female (Parakarate) category at the recent 50th F.E.W. International Championship Italy 2025 held from Oct. 18 to 19 in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Udine), Italy.

The prestigious competition, organized under the Federazione Europea Wado (F.E.W.), gathered 760 athletes from 16 countries and more than 250 coaches and delegates.

Team Italia took home five gold, seven silver, and nineteen bronze medals, finishing fifth overall. Bautista’s victory in the Parakarate division showcased her discipline, strength, and perseverance – qualities that defined her journey both in and out of the sport.

A story of courage and faith

Before becoming a champion, Caroline faced life-changing challenges. Born and raised in the Philippines, she earned a nursing degree before moving to Rome in 2010 to support her father’s chemotherapy treatment.

Two years later, she was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the brain, a rare condition that left her in a coma and paralyzed on the left side of her body.

Instead of giving up, Carol fought back with the support of her family, especially her mother who guided her recovery through proper diet, exercise, and therapy.

“Despite everything, I’m thankful because not everyone is given a second chance at life,” she said.

Her determination and faith helped her rediscover her love for sports. Through parakarate, she found new strength and purpose, eventually earning her first gold medal at the ParaKarate Regional Competition in Monterotondo, Rome, in October 2022.

“Disability is not a barrier to achieving your dreams. What matters most is having the heart to fight and move forward,” Carol shared.

Her mother, Rosemarie, expressed deep pride in her daughter’s achievement.

“Every time I look at and hold the gifts from my daughter, I feel so happy. This is destiny. She has loved karate since childhood, and now she has achieved her dream – to compete in the 50th International Karate Championship and win a gold medal,” Rosemarie said.

Parakarate training

Caroline trains under coach Maurizio Paradisi at ASD Popolare San Lorenzo in Rome – the same dojo where fellow Filipino Gabriel Guerrero Aguilar also trains and recently placed 5th at the World Karate Wado-Kai Championship in Tokyo, Japan, in August 2025.

The FEW Cup 2025 – 50th Campionato Europeo Wado-Kai was organized through the collaboration between Defence Karate 2000 and the Federation European Wadokai (F.E.W.), with support from the Comitato Regionale Fijlkam FVG and Csen FVG.

The annual competition promotes sportsmanship, inclusivity, and cultural exchange through karate and parakarate, celebrating athletes who embody perseverance and respect both inside and outside the tatami. — JMA, GMA Integrated News