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Hearts Are Racing At The 2024 EqPH Cupid Classic

The EqPH Cupid Classic, presented by Misibis Bay Resorts, was held on February 17 at the Manila Polo Club, the country’s premier equestrian center.

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Metro Society Team

<p>All classes were hotly-contested and fiercely competitive, as the riders were motivated by an abundance of prizes generously sponsored by Klean Kanteen, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and Shake Shack of SSI Group, Inc., internationally-renowned photographer Arthur Tselishchev, JFJC Equestrian, and Dr. JJ Arroyo, with the kind support of Metro.Style. The event was the climax to a week of high-performance training with international show jumping legend Trevor Coyle, and truly set the tone for the remainder of the 2024 competition season. </p><div><br/></div><p>Classes ranged from crossbar to 1.10m, and each was more competitive than the next! Riders battled it out over a course designed by <strong>Trevor Coyle</strong>, and built by <strong>EqPH Sports Director Joker Arroyo</strong>. In the crossbar category, spectators were treated to beautifully-executed clear rounds by Deila Joson, Anara Chiongbian, Alexia Joson, Zoe Co, Paola Lorenzo and Runa Lagdameo. Olivia Zobel, the youngest in the field, scored a win the 0.50m category, closely followed by 2nd Margo Felix, 3rd Andrea Montelibano, and 4th Paola Lorenzo. Hailey Barbas was blisteringly fast to win the 0.60m, with Deila Joson in close 2nd, Carolina Felix 3rd, Olivia Zobel 4th, and Margo Felix 5th. Amalia Aboitiz was victorious in the 0.70m, with Hailey Barbas 2nd, Katie Arambulo 3rd, Carolina Felix 4th, and Angelina Leung 5th. Katie Arambulo then jumped an extravagant double-clear to win the 0.80m, followed by Amalia Aboitiz in 2nd, Christia Flores 3rd, and Deila Joson 4th. Experience was key in the 0.90m, as Christia Flores took home the win with a very elegant round, with Sophia Peabody 2nd, Deila Joson 3rd, and Phemie Go 4th. Paola Lorenzo, in a real demonstration of skill, won the 1.00m, with Danni Virata 2nd and Sophia Peabody 3rd. Danni Virata later took home the win in the 1.10m category. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/9edc1c1c-0839-4bc4-93b3-1d9cfce722b1_photo_2024-02-26_12-44-48.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Olivia Zobel and Caline d&#x27;en Hue, winners 0.50m</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/489bda76-a0ec-48db-a680-f9bb4705c507_photo_2024-02-26_12-45-02.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Hailey Barbas and Killags Silverlining, winners 0.60m</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/235e9dd9-19a4-46e4-8cf2-40d9b710c4c0_photo_2024-02-26_12-45-13.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Amalia Aboitiz and Utopie de Grezils, winners 0.70m</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d762cc46-f3e4-4f5e-9e46-404f34f32dbf_photo_2024-02-26_12-45-28.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Katie Arambulo and Lander van Bijsterveld, winners 0.80m</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/53a7769a-283e-4a59-9691-af9b1e8ec82d_photo_2024-02-26_12-45-37.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/dad3d74a-e0ff-4e2b-a4cc-ada757b18243_photo_2024-02-26_12-45-54.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Paola Lorenzo and Con Amber, winners 1.00m</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>There were also a number of special prizes up for grabs. In line with EqPH&#x27;s commitment to teamwork and in recognition of the grooms who are often the unsung heroes of the sport, Donato Sumande, Jeffrey Viloria, and Aldrin Olarte were awarded top honors for having the Best Turned Out Horses. Trevor Coyle also selected a handful of noteworthy riders who he deemed deserving of awards based on the effort, progress, and determination they exhibited over the week: Deila Joson, Mikayla Joson, Zoe Co, Katisa Paradies, and Jordan Hall. </p><div><br/></div><p>In addition to the thrill of the competition in the arena, riders, spectators, and grooms were treated to assortment of food carts from Party Carts Manila and KMJ Food Carts. The indefatigable riders later enjoyed an array of carnival booths post-competition, including a mechanical bull, an inflatable gladiator arena, and a dunk tank.</p><div><br/></div><p>EqPH Sports Director and JFJC Equestrian owner Joker Arroyo says, &#x27;The Philippine equestrian community, collectively, is fortunate at the moment to have a very enthusiastic generation of young riders who are as talented as they are passionate. It bodes well for the future of the sport in the country, and I look forward to seeing them all grow and progress as athletes in the next few years.&#x27;</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/30b2624a-d5a4-49c9-9e8b-8d5b42447b5b_photo_2024-02-26_12-46-56.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">(L-R) EqPH Sports Director Joker Arroyo, international show jumping legend Trevor Coyle, EqPH President Carissa Coscolluela</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>&#x27;The best is yet to come,&#x27; adds EqPH President Carissa Coscolluela. &#x27;Following the success of the EqPH Christmas Classic in 2023, we were eager to take advantage of the momentum and organize the Cupid Classic shortly thereafter, so we can continue to develop quality events that inspire and motivate our riders. The athletes, coaches, and their support teams all deserve to be given opportunities to put their skills to the test, and showcase their talents, and we are both proud and honored to be able to do that for them.&#x27; </p><div><br/></div><div><em>Article by <strong>Joker Arroyo</strong></em></div><div><em>Photos by <strong>Pat Buenaobra</strong></em></div>