ONE women's atomweight Filipina title contender Denice Zamboanga (File photo)
MANILA – Despite slowly making name for themselves in Bangkok, at least how the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic permits, the Zamboanga siblings are still looking forward to the day they can return to the Philippines.
"It has been hard being away from home," rued Drex Zamboanga on Monday.
The current Universal Reality Combat Championship bantamweight champion is stuck in Bangkok along with his sister, ONE women's atomweight title contender Denice, due to the pandemic.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Drex as he signed with ONE and got to fight on Aug. 28 at ONE: A New Breed 1 at the Impact Arena in the Thai capital.
Drex submitted Detchadin Sornsirisuphathin via rear-naked choke in the second round of their three-period affair.
Denice also won in the same card, beating another Thai fighter in Watsyapinya Kaewkhong via an Americana hold.
“We’re all doing great here.... It’s almost time to get back to our daily training routine. Time to get back to work,” Drex said as he narrates how their life has been in Bangkok now.
While they are working on long-term visas to continue their training, he said they also plan to return to the Philippines before Christmas, hoping that the Covid-19 situation becomes better.
"The plan is to go back to the Philippines before December to celebrate Christmas with our family and to continue training with our boxing coach there. We can’t wait to spend time with our family, maybe go on a little vacation," he bared. "I miss my mom’s cooking, especially paksiw na bangus and nilagang baka (milkfish vinegar stew and boiled beef). I miss riding my motorcycle."
As of now, Drex gives this advice to those still reeling from the pandemic: “Don’t lose hope. I know that one day we will overcome this. God is in control and I hope our prayers will be answered, and this will all end soon.” (PNA)
