In Rome, a Filipina fighter proved that courage can turn pain into victory.
Caroline Bautista Ulep, 39, brought immense pride to the Philippines after winning gold in the Kata K30 Female category at the 50th F.E.W. International Championship Italy 2025, held October 18–19 in Lignano Sabbiadoro.
She stood out among 760 athletes from 16 countries — a powerful reminder that strength isn’t only physical… it’s in the spirit.
Team Italia finished 5th overall with 31 medals, but Caroline’s win meant so much more — a triumph written by perseverance.
🌟 A Second Chance at Life
Caroline’s journey was never easy.
She moved to Italy in 2010 to help support her father’s chemotherapy.
Then life tested her even more — she was diagnosed with a rare brain condition, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), that left her in a coma and paralyzed on her left side.
Doctors doubted her recovery.
But she refused to surrender.
With therapy, prayers, and her mother’s loving guidance, Caroline slowly reclaimed her strength.
“Not everyone is given a second chance at life,”
she said.
“I’m thankful… and I keep fighting.”
That fight led her to parakarate — and to discovering she had a champion’s heart.
🥇 “Disability is not a barrier”
Caroline trained hard under coach Maurizio Paradisi at ASD Popolare San Lorenzo in Rome — the same dojo where another Filipino athlete, Gabriel Guerrero Aguilar, also made waves internationally.
Her first win came in 2022 during a regional Parakarate tournament in Rome.
Now, she has conquered the European stage.
“Disability is not a barrier to achieving your dreams.
What matters most is the heart to move forward,”
Caroline shared.
Her mother Rosemarie could not hold back her pride:
“This is destiny. She loved karate since she was young —
and now she has fulfilled her dream.”
🥋 A Victory for Hope and Inclusion
The FEW Cup — one of Europe’s major karate and parakarate events — celebrates sportsmanship, inclusivity, and unity among athletes from different nations.
Caroline’s victory is not just a medal.
It’s a message.
It tells every Filipino — every person facing struggle — that there is always a way to rise again.
🇵🇭 And when she stood on that podium…
she carried the Filipino spirit with her.
