Filipinos are by heart sports lovers. For how can you explain the presence of a basketball court in a tiny backyard? Why, there are countless basketball courts even on the streets! Children starting grade school participate in sports meet and even pay a big sum of sports clinic and training during weekends and vacation.
Ask any Filipino and he will tell you he likes Asi taulava, Leila Barros, Lydia De Vega, Mikee Cojuangco, Efren’Bata’ Reyes, Venus and Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Iverson, Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Jennifer Rosales, and Manny Pacquiao (but of course) to name a few.
A Filipino’s life is spiced with sports. And he does it for so many reasons.
First, he loves fun and happy times. Why? Because he is, by nature, happy-go-lucky, frolicsome and gay.
Second, he dwells in sports for health reasons. Being a health buff, he wants robust body, strong muscles, strong resistance from sickness and a fit, alert mind.
Next, he gets into sports to stay away from drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and gambling. Sports for him are a good alternative that doesn’t cost anything.
Then, he enhances camaraderie with others. By being a team player, he gets to practice sportsmanship, friendship, and teamwork. Of course, he can’t win a game by himself alone.
Also, he gets fulfillment when he feels he has contributed to the success or victory, especially if one belongs to a team that competes is the name of the country.
Finally, he gains popularity and eventually esteem and admiration not only from countrymen but also worldwide.
Now, wouldn’t you want to be another Mark Paragua, who gained the Grandmaster title at age of 20, even surpassing Eugene Torre?
Or another Efren “Bata” Reyes who sends the world in a frenzy and spectacle every time he does some magic on the billiard
table?
Or another Manny Pacquiao who awes the world every time he TKOs overrated boxers from other countries?
Or another Kerby Raymundo, our town mate who is making good (and of course, earning a fortune) in the PBA hardcourt.
Well, choose a sport, learn it and play it well. Whatever your reasons for playing, you will surely be a winner.
By: Teacher 1- Pablo Roman National High School | Orion, Bataan
