"on a shoestring"

I know what Kayak is, but Canoe, I have no idea? I bet only a few Filipinos even know the difference between the two. Today’s presscon was centered on our young National Athletes that grabbed the gold medals in the just concluded Canoe/Kayak event yesterday. It was a frustration not to be able to see action as the event was held in Bago City.

So what’s the difference between the Kayak and Canoe? In Kayak, the paddler is seated on the boat while in the Canoe, the paddler is kneeling.

CANOE

KAYAK

Glad that some of the medalists were presented before the media before they go back to their respective homes. Actually, they entered the media room wearing their medals and proud smiles to go along with it. I can feel the conquering spirit and victory that just happened yesterday.

Alex, Ojay, Hermie & Alvin proud of their feats

I seized the opportunity to interview them:

The Generalo Twins

Alex & Alvin Generalo, 21 years old, twin brothers who hail from Palanas, Masbate. They reminded me of the Monteclaro twins from Gymnastics. They also won gold medals in their respective events:

Alex- Gold, 2:11’32 (Kayak Single Sprint)

Alvin- Gold, Kayak Touring Double with Jonathan Ruz (3:59’79)

Alex Generalo

Alvin Generalo

They were telling me that this sports changed their life for the better. Alex burst, “Iba na ang buhay namin ngayon, dati kapag kakain kami hati-hati sa ulam ngayon sobra na. Nalayo din sa bisyo, inom at sigarilyo. Limang taon na kami hindi naninigarilyo. Malaking disiplina sarili at training.” (We enjoy the athlete’s life now. Before, we share with the little food that we have in the table, now we surplus. We also stop smoking for five years and drinking beer only happens during special occasions like birthdays and Christmas parties. We have learned discipline and train ourselves properly.)

Alvin’s secret is to stay focused on the game and don’t get nervous even if competing against stronger and taller teams.

Hermie de Guzman (from Taytay, Rizal to Hungary and Germany)

Hermie de Guzman, 15 years old, who lives near the Floodway at Taytay, Rizal, is also going home with a gold medal for winning the Single Kayak Touring 500m.

Hermie de Guzman

Hermie’s story is something that touched my heart. He said that part of his monthly allowance (Php8,000) are given to his family for their daily consumption. Little did he knew that his kindness would bring him not only in Negros Occidental but also to (3weeks) Hungary for a 3-week training by international coaches before he join the World Junior Canoe/Kayak Championship in Germany on September. He was granted all-expense paid training by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) under their International Olympic Solidarity Course. What a fortunate 15-year old boy. I wonder how many Hermies we have in the Philippines waiting to be discovered.

Ojay Fuentes (Rookie gets Gold)

Ojay Fuentes, a 12-year old kayaker/canoeists said that it was his first time to compete in an event as prestige as this National Games. Good thing, Coach Len was able to discover such talent from Mandaue City, Cebu exactly two years ago. He first tried the sports May 2009 during a vacation at Taytay, Rizal. Since then, his skills were honed by their very supportive coach, which he is always thankful for.

Ojay Fuentes

Joining as a rookie in this competition, he already bagged 2 gold medals in the Single Canoe (Sprint 200m) and Double Kayak Touring (500m) together with Alex Generalo. His training regiment that includes a lot of running and weight lifting has paid off.

When I asked how do they feel about their victories, all of them quipped the simple answer, “okay naman, masaya” (it’s okay, happy) with the curves on their faces. I predict that these humble kids would bring more gold medals in the coming years.

Before I end this article, I would like to say that this event, CANOE/KAYAK is another game where we, Filipinos, can excel given the availability of training grounds all over the county. What would stop us from winning international games? Lack of support. So let me say kudos to the organizers of the National Games 2011. I hope that this kind of sporting activity would continue to hone both local and national talents.

Props to their encouraging coach, Ms. Leonora “Coach Len’ Escollente who doesn’t stop on discovering young talents. I hope many will follow you lead.

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Philippine National Games 2011 Series is a break from my usual running event posts. The series will highlight stories behind every sports represented as well as athletes who display big potential in their own field. My gratitude goes to PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez, Sir Lito Cinco and Ms. Mylene Conception for the opportunity to cover such a big event. Mabuhay po kayo pati narin ang PSC at POC!