Hope in Palawan

My first out-of-town trip this year - Puerto Princessa Palawan!

It's been more than a year since my last Bike for Hope ride, thanks Pia for inviting me, I was so excited riding with new friends. Working back with her ever supportive and friendly staff was encouraging. Supporting BFH allowed me to meet new people and took me off from my coaching hat. 

I was privileged to design this years' event jersey. Other than coaching and organizing events, designing logos & shirts was my business years back. (I still do few designing for my friends.)

It was truly an awesome experience. I felt like a real tourist during that weekend. Biking, trail running, open-water swimming, and not to mention big time eating! "ang lungkot talaga, kaka-inip!" :)

One event that weekend struck my heart as a coach was the Younghusbands' football clinic. Its been 30yrs since my football days (not known to many). I played football during my entire high school, represented Central Luzon during the 1988 Palarong Pambansa. The Younghusband clinic was participated by more than 100 kids, all inspired and dreaming to be one like their idols. I can't imagine football would rise to this level. Back then we trained and competed against different regions, Asian cup and World cups were far from our heads; our main goal then was becoming the best in our region.

Young athletes nowadays are very much fortunate, I may say. Training camps, clinics, and corporate sponsors are all over the region. The question is "How many young athletes are availing for these opportunities?" I see triathlon/running camps and clinics are well participated by age-groupers alone. The young grassroots are left out.  

 

Palawan for one has the potential not only in tourism, but also in sports. Their mountain trails and open water are for sure hiding grounds for rising athletes. I'm looking forward in visiting the island again this year, as promised to Governor Mitra, I will extend my service to their region.

All good!