Philippines will organize the 2005 National Judo Championship on Saturday in Cebu City, central Philippines, featuring the country's top male and female judokas led by multi-titled John Baylon.

Close to 300 participants from 20 clubs nationwide, including members of the national team are taking part in the three days competition organized by Philippine Amateur Judo Association and supported by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The National Capital Region will be represented by De La Salle University and the City College of Manila.

Cebu will be hosting the event of the first time will be led by judokas from the University of San Carlos and Cebu City Judo Club.

The first two days of competition will be played at USC Gym and the third and final day called the "Battle of Champions" Will be staged at the Waterfront Hotel.

Prominent judokas seeing action aside from Baylon are Gilbert Ramirez, Sidney Schwarskopf and the Lucero brothers are Aristotle and Christopher.

Ramirez, Baylon, Schwarskopf and the Lucero brothers are all veterans of the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.

Baylon sees action 81 kg., Ramirez 73 kg. Schwarskopf 90 kg., Aristotle 66 kg., and Christopher 60 kg.

Baylon, a veteran of two Olympics in Seoul and Barcelona and two Word Judo Championships in Canada and Japan, is highly favored to rule his division.

Leading the women's field are Helen Dawa, Nancy Quillotes, Elmarie Malasan, Rezil Rosalejo, and Karen Solomon.

Dawa, gold medallist in the Vietnam SEA Games, ompetes in 45 kg., Quillotes 48 kg., Malasan 52 kg., Rosalejo 57 kg., and Solomon 70 kg.

"It's going to be an interesting and exciting tournament because the country's top judokas and upcoming matmen are seeing action," said judo President Captain Reynaldo Jaylo.

Jaylo, also vice president of the Judo Union of Asia, said the event serves as qualifying tournament for members of the national team to the 23rd SEA Games in Manila from November 27 to December 5.