An eight-year-old athlete went viral online after showcasing exceptional skills in arnis during the recently concluded SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet 2026 held in Sultan Kudarat, where she clinched gold and silver medals.

Despite her young age, the girl impressed the audience with her confidence, agility, and remarkable defensive moves during the competition.

Princess Cyna Sepi, a Grade 2 pupil from Tacurong Pilot Elementary School in Tacurong City, earned a gold medal in the double weapon and espada y daga categories and a silver medal in the single weapon category.

She competed alongside two older athletes, including two Grade 6 participants.

“Lahat ng hinahanap sa isang arnis satur ay kanyang naipakita during sa kanyang performance sa individual defense and synchronize defense,” elementary girls arnis coach, Bryan Clark Emblawa, said.

Her performance did not only drew loud cheers from spectators but also gained attention from netizens.

“Masaya po… Thank you mama, papa sa support,” Sepi said.

“Masaya kame kasi nakita yung galing niya at saka yung paano siya maglaro ng arnis,” Sepi’s father, Cyron, added.

Princess said she was inspired by her older brother, who is also an arnis player.

“Since day care po siya nagsimula mag-arnis kasi yung kuya niya nag-aarnis din, doon siya na nakumbinsi na pasukinang larong arnis,” Sepi’s mother, Edna, said.

Her parents also thanked her trainer, Stephanie Liza Mones, a criminology student and a gold medalist in arnis at the 2018 Palarong Pambansa.

“Madali siyang turuan kasi  sa pag-umpisa pa lang parang nalaman mo na pursiguido gyud ang bata na makatuto,” Mones said.

Princess and other athletes continue to train in preparation for upcoming national competitions.

Her story highlights the importance of sports like arnis in the holistic development of children, which helps them stay disciplined, balanced, and away from negative influences such as illegal drugs.

“Kailangan maging balance yung kanilang development ng ating kabataan, para malayo sila sa mali o sa droga particularly,” Tacurong Pilot Elementary School Central Cluster Principal, Samson Tallodar, said.