Marquez “Mark” Sangiao
High School, 1995
Most Distinguished Alumnus in International Sports
Development and Management
“The Machine” is Mark’s name by the Global Authority on Mix Martial Arts. From 2003-2009, he had seven wins (4 by submission, 2 by knockouts, and 1 by decision), and two losses in Mix Martial Arts (MMA).
He began training in kickboxing in 1995 and taekwondo in 1998 by watching Youtube and by joining the Varsity Wushu Squad at the University of the Cordilleras when he was a student.
Filled with enthusiasm and confidence that the Igorots have the potential to become world class fighters like him, he stablished Team Lakay MMA Gym in 2003. The Team operates in a gym without air conditioning and state of-the-art training facilities with almost zero budget. Nevertheless, they trained the best mixed martial artists that are making waves in international games.
“It was a dream come true”, he said. Team Lakay became one of the most recognized MMA teams in Asia with many of his students making world records; these are Joshua Pacio called “The Passion” with 17 wins, Honorio Banario called “The Rock” with 14 wins, Kevin Belingon called “The Silencer” with 20 wins, Danny Kingad called “The King” with 12 wins, Stephen Loman, Geje Eustaquio, and many more. Eduard Folayang, one of those whom he mentored in the early years of Team Lakay had 23 wins and only 8 losses from 2007 to 2019.
Lately, Congress passed House Resolution 707 giving recognition and honor to Team Lakay for bringing honor and glory to the country.