"on a shoestring"

At a very young age of 14, Lawrence Ordonio has taken the hard challenge of life. A boxer since 2003 (year 7), Lawrence can be seen on the boxing ring during baranggay fiestas. That has become his plight, he joins boxing matches to win some money that can help his poor family.

Lawrence is the only out-of-school youth who joined the Batang Pinoy Games in Baguio City. He is from Bgry. Ilokano Sur, San Fernando, La Union. He won over Bryan Quitaleg of Tarlac City even if Bryan is taller and has longer reach than him- pure grit ayt?

Lawrence Ordonio vs Bryan Paul Quitaleg

His story is not uncommon for boxers, we can think of a lot of athletes who are from the poorest of the poor and we read stories of “rags to riches.” Still, as I and Lito Oredo was talking to this young boy, we can’t help but shed tears in our eyes and just try to empathize with what he feels. As if we understand, I can’t even imagine myself selling corn and calamansi during weekdays and wake up on weekends as early as 5:00am to train for a match. That is the usual week for our young Lawrence here and let me remind you again, he is just 14.

we can think of a lot of athletes who are from the poorest of the poor and we read stories of “rags to riches.”

Lawrence helps his parents in selling corn and kamote. Their situation is hard to imagine, he tells us that there was a time where their makeshift house was washed away to the sea because of typhoon and flood. His collection of medals and trophies, practically his “diploma” from the boxing ring, were forever gone. His bragging rights vanished, thankfully, this brave young boxer continued to dream and fight the challenge of life.

Once he won Php5,000 as a champion in a boxing match at Ilocos Sur courtesy of Gov. Chavit Singson and used some of his prize money to buy ½ cavan of rice for his family. Most of the times, he would use his reward to buy food, soap, coffee, sugar and clothes that the family needs. Then I told him that he will just receive a medal by winning gold in his division. Shocked on the news, he just said its okay (but I saw in his eyes that he is frustrated as he will not be able to bring something home). He then said, I just hope our Mayor would give us something when he learns that I brought a gold medal home. “I would like to be discovered, I want to study again and I will use my winnings in boxing to bring me back to school.”

Lawrence showing off his gold medal

Learning this really broke my heart. Who wouldn’t?

 “I would like to be discovered, I want to study again and I will use my winnings in boxing to bring me back to school.”

Again, I say props to PSC for having organize this Batang Pinoy Games where boxers like Lawrence are given a chance, given hope, given life. For many of us, sports is seen as entertainment, but for Lawrence it is his HOPE in life.

Lawrence got a gold medal in the Light Paperweight Division (42kgs. below) and he will go to Naga City for the Batang Pinoy National Finals on December 10-14.

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Batang Pinoy Games 2011  is a grass-roots development program organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to identify young talents to be trained for the national pool of athletes. Mindanao leg was hosted by Zamboanga City (Oct 17-30); Visayas leg was hosted by Dumaguete City (Nov 10-13); Northern Luzon leg by Baguio City (Nov 24-27); Southern Luzon by Sta. Cruz City (Dec 4-7); NCR leg (Nov 29 – Dec 2); and the Finals will be held at Naga City on December 10-13, 2011.

Official website: Batang Pinoy 2011

Facebook Page: Batang Pinoy (PSC Grassroots Program)