Cebu Sports Blog by John Pages

Cycling’s Dangers: When Speed Becomes Dangerous

Five Sundays ago, my three best friends and I biked at the back of Cebu Doctors’ Mandaue (Zuellig Road), near Mandani Bay. It’s a 4-km. loop that’s closed to vehicles every Sunday from 6 to 9 a.m.

The entire three-lane road was ours. But we had a plan: to do drafting. We would alternate; taking turns at the front for about 30 seconds before slowing down to allow the lead rider to take in the wind resistance. This is called slipstreaming. It’s estimated that you save up to 30% energy by “sitting in.”

Sadly, in one of the alternating moves, my two best friends’ tires clipped resulting in a bad crash. My friend’s shoulder hit the deck; so did his back. It was an agonizing fall. We had to go to Chong Hua Mandaue for an X-ray and cleaning of the wounds. Luckily, no major injuries happened.

I, too, have had my share of bike crashes. The worst was over 15 years ago when my friend Celso and I biked the back of Talamban and we headed for Brgy. Guba. We were on our MTBs and were descending fast. Celso was ahead of me in a downhill when a dog crossed in front of him. He tumbled to the ground. Good thing he sustained only minor abrasions.

The week after, it was my turn in the front. In a steep downhill section, my Vellum bike hit a boulder and I flipped forward and smashed my face straight into the gravel patch. My helmet tore open. I rushed to North Gen Hospital and, with the help of Dr. Ronald Eullaran, was transferred to Chong Hua Fuente. Dr. Susan Verallo put a few stitches on my lip.

POGACAR. Two days ago and entering the Stage 8 of Vuelta a España, Tadej Pogacar had an insurmountable lead of nearly four minutes on Enric Mas. But with just 31 kms. to go to the finish in Xeraco, the unthinkable happened: Pogacar crashed. His face and shoulder hit the pavement hard and he had to abandon the race.

From near-certainty in winning to riding the UAE Team Bus and heading home to Monaco and recuperate.

What happened? Well, this is cycling. There were 184 riders when the Vuelta started the other weekend. Right now, at least seven riders have abandoned. When your tires are inches away from each other and you are traveling at 54+ kph, the margin for error is miniscule. Just one simple movement or error by a rider can cause massive damage.

This is so unfortunate for Pogacar. This 2026, he won an incredible 22 victories in 45 days of racing. And the Vuelta is the only Grand Tour that he hasn’t won. But it wasn’t meant to be.

The same thing happened to Jonas Vingegaard. In the Tour de France, he crashed in a turn and had to abandon.

The most dangerous is the downhill. These pro riders can go as fast as 100 kph downhill! I’ve been watching (almost nightly) the live footages and they’re scary. Three nights ago, in a technical downhill, Pogacar nearly crashed. Good thing he was able to brake and went to the grass area to slow down. He could have crashed then. He crashed the day after.

Mario Cipollini, the retired Italian cyclist, said it best: “If you brake, you don’t win.”

From Tennis Courts to the Kitchen: Pickleball Tips

Allen Antigua is one of Cebu’s top pickleball players. I saw this for myself last July during the La Salle vs. Ateneo friendly games at The Courts. There were over 50 players but he stood out as the best.

Coming from a tennis background helps a lot. Allen has played the game of Roger and Rafa for over 25 years and has won numerous tournaments, including runner-up finishes in ITF 35+ categories.

Pickleball? He has only played the sport for over a year now but has already finished at the podium multiple times. In the August 2026 Cebu Pickleball DUPR Club rankings, he was No. 3 with a rating of 4.322.

I asked Allen for his top three tips. Here’s what he said:

“1.) Practice perfecting serves and returns — every point starts with these two aspects of the game, whether you’re playing singles or doubles. Hitting nice, deep serves and returns sets up the point to your advantage.

“2.) Learn how to read and play the current game you’re in — you don’t always have to play a ‘slow dink’ game. Being able to identify what type of match you’re in or what playing style your opponents are deploying is essential to scoring points.

“If your opponents are bangers and like to drive a lot, be sure to keep your paddle up and have those punch counters / flicks ready.

“If you find yourself against opponents who like to dink / reset or are defensive, you may want to push and be more aggressive with your own dinks to set up and win points.

“3.) Have fun! Playing with a smile boosts your morale and perhaps even stamina after all, we’re all here to have fun with friends and family and build a positive pickleball community!”

MORE TIPS. Like Allen, my background is tennis. And we’re used to just smacking the ball from the baseline and hitting as hard as we can. That won’t work in pickleball. Your opponents will use your power against you. (One major difference between the two: with tennis, we use underspin when we volley; with pickleball, topspin volleys are preferred.)

Here are a few more tips that I’ve also learned:

4.) Be patient. You don’t have to smash every shot. The smartest shot is often the soft one and waiting for the right ball to attack is important. The goal is not to hit the hardest forehand but to win the point.

5.) Talk to your doubles partner. Just like in tennis, good communication is essential. (Two star singles players playing as individuals will almost always lose to a cohesive doubles team.) Call out “mine” or “yours” and decide who takes the middle balls. Don’t play the blame game but encourage each other.

6.) Get to the kitchen line. Don’t stay at the baseline. Move forward with your partner right after your serve or return. The kitchen line is where you control the game and win points.

7.) Target the middle. Just like in tennis, hitting down the middle can confuse your opponents and limit their angles for returning the ball.

Ironman 70.3 Cebu: Battling the Wind and Waves

It has been eight days since the Ironman 70.3 last Aug. 9, but I still can’t forget the challenges the triathletes faced.

SWIM. The swim was the toughest since this triathlon race started in Cebu in 2012.

Atty. Oliver Moeller, our relay swimmer, experienced the brutal conditions firsthand. Although the official swim distance was cut to 1K (from 1.9K — a good move!), his watch recorded 1.8 kms. because the strong current forced him into a zigzag pattern just to stay on course.

BIKE. I did the 90K bike ride and it was the most challenging since I first joined this event in 2012.

When you’re up on the CCLEX, the wind doesn’t simply blow against you. It pushes you sideways, hard enough that you have to hold your handlebars firmly as your bike begins to wobble. Your natural reaction is to slow down, but that can make things more dangerous because you become less stable.

Yet going faster has its own danger. A strong gust can suddenly push you sideways and cause you to fall. The worst stretch was going down the CCLEX towards SM Seaside.

Carlo Villarica and Mathias Bergundthal, who also did the bike relays, attested to these challenges when I spoke to them after. You experience everything—sidewind, headwind and crosswind. Then, suddenly, you get the best kind: the tailwind, when the wind comes from behind and pushes you forward.

RUN. While the first two disciplines faced major challenges, the runners—usually the ones who suffer most from Cebu’s midday heat—had the best conditions.

There was hardly any sun. It was overcast, making the 21K run much more comfortable.

My daughter Jana ran the half-marathon. She had mentally prepared herself for a hot and difficult run but ended up enjoying it. Her relay teammates were Pink Ocampo, who turned in a fast 24-minute swim, and former Cebu City Councilor Jessica Resch, who bravely took on the cycling leg despite the wind.

TRIBU SUGBU. My teammates were the same as last year: Atty. Oliver Moeller for the swim and Cebu’s marathon queen (and Olympian) Mary Joy Tabal-Jimenez for the run.

As always, we had our pre-race discussions, but this year they were even more interesting. Oliver is preparing for his first 42K marathon in Sydney this Aug. 30, while Joy has been getting into Hyrox, which happens to be Oliver’s specialty.

We were also joined by Joy’s husband, Dan Jimenez (who did the Sprint event), and their energetic daughter, Athena.

MEGAWORLD. Mactan Newtown is an ideal venue for Ironman. The newly built Mactan Expo made it even better. The race expo and awarding were held there, as was the traditional 4 p.m. (Saturday) Holy Mass. The post-race lunch was also held in a comfortable, air-conditioned venue.

And staying at Mercure Hotel, overlooking the bike transition area and just a five-minute walk from the start? It couldn’t get any better.

SUNRISE EVENTS. Behind all of this is Princess Galura, who deserves credit for once again handling the many details and pressure that come with delivering a world-class event.

Ironman Cebu reminded us that the Philippines has many beautiful places. But when it comes to staging a world-class triathlon, there is no better venue than Cebu.

Pickleball’s rising popularity in Cebu

What do you call the game that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong? Yes, the racket/paddle sport of Pickleball has become widespread in Cebu. What started as a niche sport played by balikbayans and expats has now expanded from Moalboal to Santander to Bogo.

Pickleball, first played in the U.S. in 1965, was brought to the Philippines in 2016. Since then, there has been a dramatic increase in the game’s popularity. Schools like USC have added it to their curriculum. Communities are repainting basketball courts, now lined with pickleball markings, including those Ma. Luisa Park in Banilad. What was once a pastime is now a full-blown sports movement.

Why is Pickleball booming? Three things: ease of play, inclusivity, and fun.

Unlike tennis, pickleball is less technical and is easy to learn. In a way, it’s like badminton. Within minutes, you’re able to rally and exchange shots with someone from across the net (something you cannot do with tennis).

Pickleball’s court is also smaller (the size of a badminton court). The smaller playing area allows for quick rallies and long, engaging points. It’s a game anyone can play; the learning curve is short and you are drenched in sweat — but the fun lasts forever.

Most of all, pickleball builds community. Players laugh between points, cheer for one another, and play in mixed-age and mixed-gender matches. It’s more than a sport—it’s a social event.

The Cebu Professional Pickleball Association (CPPA), led by founder Cesar Guinto, has teamed up with SM Seaside and SM Consolacion to expand the sport through clinics and tournaments. Meanwhile, Cebu Pickleball group, co-founded by Rnell Arsenal, has been instrumental in building Cebu’s first local pickleball community.

Where to play Pickleball? Said CPPA Pres. Guinto: “We are seeing increased interest in several locations across Cebu, including SM Seaside, MatchPoint in Tayud, Liloan; City Sports, Casino Español, Bethany Christian School, Naga City, Santander (Lyceum University), Moalboal (Beyond Isle), Toledo City (Cabana Shore), Asturias (Dalia’s Dream Court), Tuburan Pickleball Club, Bogo (Lima’s Pickleball), Barili Pickleball Club.”

Rnell Arsenal says “Cebu’s first dedicated pickleball court was built by Massimo Corti in Moalboal” and adds CitiLoft, St Michael’s, and Hoops and Rackets (Mandaue) as venues.

EVENTS. Cebu is now hosting major tournaments, attracting top-level players. The Skechers Cebu Open 2023 saw the debut of Filipino tennis stars Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa and Clarice Patrimonio, who are now international professionals; there were events in Il Corso, Barili and the Mandani Bay Visayas Invitational 2024. Upcoming events include the Cebu Open 2025, and the Batang Pickleball Nationals Visayas Leg, a grassroots program to develop young talents.

Cebu has also produced international medalists like Gab Riconilla, Christopher Encarnacion and Franklin Encarnacion—proof that Cebu isn’t just playing for fun; it’s competing on the world stage. And the best part? The rally is just getting started.

SM Seaside Arena: Game changer for Cebu

Marissa Fernan is the top honcho of SM in Cebu. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet her and discuss an exciting opportunity for Cebu: hosting the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

This historic event, scheduled for November 2025, had the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) considering Cebu as a co-host alongside Metro Manila. Together with CVFA President Rodney Orale, I met PFF President John Gutierrez to discuss Cebu’s hosting.

The only venue capable of meeting the international standards required? The SM Seaside Arena.

Ms. Fernan followed up with a meeting with Mr. Hans Sy in Manila to discuss the proposal. Unfortunately, the timing was too tight. With the coliseum’s opening set for late 2025 — there wasn’t enough lead time to prepare.

A similar story played out with the FIVB Men’s World Championships, scheduled for September 2025. The SM Seaside Arena would have been a perfect third venue alongside the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Not meant to be. Not yet. These setbacks only highlight the potential of the SM Seaside Arena. Starting late this year, Cebu will finally have a world-class sports and entertainment venue. (Consider that the Cebu Coliseum was built in 1962 — 63 years ago!)

The SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena is the prime example. Since its opening in 2012, it has hosted mega-events, including the NBA Global Games, the SEA Games, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The FIBA World Cup was a testament to the Philippines’ ability to organize global sporting spectacles, with the SM MOA Arena drawing thousands of fans and worldwide attention.

Now, Cebu is ready to take its place on the global stage. The SM Seaside Arena will give us the ability to host events we could previously only dream of: a Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer tennis showdown, NBA exhibition games, a future Futsal World Championship. How about Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and international volleyball games?

Locally, the arena will transform events like the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) opening ceremonies and semis/finals games, giving athletes and fans a world-class venue to celebrate the best of Cebu sports.

I’m sure Cesafi Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy and the university presidents are excited for 2026.

Sports is not the only winner with the SM Seaside Arena opening. It goes beyond sports — and beyond Cebu because the venue will cater to the Visayas and Mindanao markets. Like its Manila counterpart, it’s expected to host concerts by international stars. The opening act for SM MOA Arena in 2012 was none other than Lady Gaga.

Who will headline in Cebu? When I met the SM Seaside officials two weeks ago, I offered a suggestion: Bruno Mars!

LeBron James: Father Time

(Photo AP/Mark J. Terrill)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “FATHER TIME” as: “Time personified, especially as a bearded old man holding a scythe and an hourglass.”

But what about a 40-year-old bearded old man who holds a basketball, has played 1,520 NBA games, about 70,000 NBA minutes, and scored nearly 50,000 points?

Now in his 22nd season, he still dazzles crowds with slam dunks, averaging impressive stats this season (23.5 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists per game) and, on Christmas Day, leading the Lakers to a nail-biting win over his friend Steph Curry.

LeBron James isn’t just playing against time; he is the personification of Father Time.

I was fortunate to witness his leadership firsthand at the Paris Olympics. As team captain, he guided a constellation of All-Stars. In the game against South Sudan that we watched, LeBron’s dominance was clear, leading his team to victory. Alongside superstars like Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, it was “Mr. Father Time” who drew the loudest cheers.

Let’s talk about the GOAT debate. While many favor Michael Jordan, myself included, LeBron’s longevity places him among the greatest to ever dribble and shoot the basketball.

LeBron’s accolades speak for themselves: four NBA championships, four MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards, 20 All-Star selections, six All-Defensive selections, and a Rookie of the Year award. He’s also a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a bronze medalist. A glance at his Wikipedia page reveals a resume unparalleled in basketball history, maybe in all of sports.

LBJ’s work ethic and dedication to his craft remain unmatched. He consistently arrives at the arena first and meticulously cares for his body. During off-season time when his teammates are vacationing, he’s working out.

But beyond his basketball prowess, it’s his off-court accomplishments that are just as remarkable. He is a business mogul who might soon own the Las Vegas NBA expansion team. His net worth is $1.2 billion. And, of course, his philanthropic work, like the “I PROMISE” school in Akron, Ohio, demonstrate his commitment to giving back. From an impoverished background raised by his mother Gloria, he now empowers at-risk youth.

FATHER TIME. Another historic moment solidified his connection as a dad. Last October 22, LeBron shared the court with his son Bronny—a first in NBA history. “That moment, us being at the scorer’s table together and checking in together, it’s a moment I’m never going to forget,” LeBron said. “No matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I get older, I will never forget that moment.”

Father time? Yes.

Bron and Bronny’s time together on the court was made even more special because the then 18-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice in July 2023. His return to sports — and joining his father as a Laker — is a testament to his resilience. To see Bronny recover and share the court with his dad for those precious minutes was indescribable.

Let us celebrate King James. Happy 40th Birthday (Dec. 30), ‘Bron.

Gracias, Rafael Nadal

My all-time favorite athlete’s tennis career has reached, “Game, Set and Match,” when Rafael Nadal played his final match at the Davis Cup a few days ago. In my nearly three decades of sportswriting, I’ve penned articles on MJ, Phelps, Ali, LeBron and Messi. I’ve written about Manny Pacquiao. But there’s something magical about the Mallorcan.

I’ve had the privilege of watching Rafael Nadal play in person four times. The first was in 2007 with Dr. Ronnie Medalle when he played Richard Gasquet in Kuala Lumpur. (That was the “Clash of Times” with Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.).

The next (and most memorable) occasion was when my wife Jasmin and I witnessed Nadal win gold in Beijing. Nadal wore red sleeveless Nikes and a long pair of shorts that extended below his knee. Only 22 years old then, he went on to become world No. 1 shortly after that golden Olympic moment.

The French Open is the site where the 6-foot-1, 38-year-old has enjoyed his biggest success. He won when he first set foot in Roland Garros in 2005. He won again the year after and the year after that. In total, he won 14 French Open crowns.

How did he do it? His left-handed, high-bouncing heavy topspin shots coupled with his athleticism and endurance; his offensive forehand and incredible defensive skills; his ability to endure pain (“I learned during all my career to enjoy suffering,” he says); most of all, his unwavering toughness, never giving up — has made him tennis’ “King of Clay.”

I got to watch Nadal at the Court Philippe Chatrier in May 2015. It was against Nicolas Almagro, a fellow Spaniard. What an unforgettable experience to see your idol playing at “home.” It’s like watching Jordan in the United Center.

Two years ago, we got to watch Nadal play at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. In his first match, he lost to Felix Auger Aliassime. Coming off an injury, it was painful to see him go down in straight sets. Good thing in his last match against Casper Ruud, the 22-major winner triumphed in the indoor court.

And finally, just four months ago and back at his favorite center court in Paris, Nadal played for the last time in the Olympics. He needed three sets to defeat Marton Fucsovics but the crowd was all-cheering for their adopted “Spanish Frenchman.” That match — on July 28, 2024 — was the last time Nadal won in Roland Garros.

What makes Nadal so special? It’s his heart. He fights and never gives up. Not just in one match or one set. But on every single shot. Says Nadal: “I play each point like my life depends on it.”

Nadal’s emotional resilience and stability are unparalleled. He doesn’t get too high or too long. He adds: “You have to accept both things. I’ve stayed calm when I’m winning and I’ve stayed calm when I’ve lost. Tennis is a sport where we have a lot of tournaments every week, so you can’t celebrate a lot when you have big victories, and you cannot get too down when you’re losing.”

Another Nadal trait is his capacity to for “short term memory.” What do I mean by this? Never mind if he lost a set and is not playing well, this doesn’t discourage him. He doesn’t dwell on his bad play or the losing score.

This happened at the 2022 Australian Open final against Daniel Medvedev when he lost the first two sets. But Rafa is Rafa and he fought back to win in five.

“I learned that you always have to hang in there,” says Nadal. “That however remote your chances of winning might seem, you have to push yourself to the very limit of your abilities and try your luck… the key to this game resides in the mind, and if the mind is clear and strong, you can overcome almost any obstacle, including pain. Mind can triumph over matter.”

Gracias, Rafa!

Tony Aldeguer and Monico Puentevella

Tony Aldeguer and Monico Puentevella have plenty in common. Both are from Bacolod. Both studied in La Salle. Both consider the word “sports” as their ultimate love and passion.

Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of meeting the two legends of Philippine sports. The former Bacolod mayor and congressman Monico and I have been seeing each other regularly (including at the Paris Olympics) and we longed to get together with the godfather of Cebu boxing.

After a few messages with Chris Aldeguer, the date and venue were set. We met at the sprawling home of Mr. Aldeguer in Maria Luisa, filled with plants and overlooking Cebu.

We all know Antonio Lopez Aldeguer as ALA (boxing) but did you know that Bidoy Aldeguer was the basketball varsity coach of Monico? While still in college (La Salle), Bidoy coached the high school team of Monico. They not only won the Bacolod trophy but, in the national finals against Mapua, they lost by a mere point to the nation’s strongest team.

“I have met many coaches in my life,” said Monico, “but no one can inspire and motivate better than Bidoy. He would pick me up at 7am and make me run five rounds before we’d start each practice. My love for basketball and sports started with him as my mentor.”

For over 90 minutes last Wednesday afternoon, partaking of palabok and fresh lumpia, our trio tackled a variety of topics ranging from politics (Cebu, Bacolod and national) to ALA Boxing (which spanned 35 years) to the Olympics. We talked about La Salle, Ateneo and UAAP basketball.

Bidoy called Monico by his nickname, “Nyoks.” The former POC Chairman and current Phil. weightlifting president, in turn, would often call him, “Coach.”

We talked about good health and how both are exercising regularly. The 83-year-old Aldeguer exercises daily in the swimming pool. Monico still plays “commercial” tennis at the age of 78. Though both had some issues with their heart, they are looking fit and good.

In our next meeting, Monico promised to bring his tennis racket so we can play in the private tennis court of the Aldeguers.

My Mom Allen

Sept. 23, 2024

I’M INSPIRED by the sharings of two of my favorite columnists.

Publio “Pubs” Briones wrote about reaching the golden age of 50 in his “On The Go” column last Saturday. He spoke of challenges with his eyesight and hairline in the funny piece, “What it’s like to be in my 50s.”

Melanie Lim, the day after, in her award-winning column, “Wide Awake,” and in a piece entitled, “Proof of Age,” spoke of a recent experience at a pharmacy when the guard wouldn’t believe that she’s a senior citizen. (Confession: Melanie was my UP Cebu College marketing professor, alongside my wife Jasmin.. and she’s the best. One more admission: I agree with the guard! I saw Melanie at the Press Freedom Week columnists’ night last week and she’s younger-looking than me and Pubs.)

Pubs and Melanie, aside from being SunStar writers, share one more passion. Both are runners. Pubs runs from Monday to Friday at the CCSC oval while Melanie has hurdled multiple half-marathons and will run the 25K in the 2025 Cebu Marathon.

So if Pubs turned 50 and Melanie is 60, I’m inspired to write about someone very, very, very close to me who’s more than a decade older.

She’s my mom Maria Elena “Allen” Castelo Zaldarriaga.. who, this May, will turn 75!

How young is she? Two days ago in Iloilo, she sent me a message with an all-smiling, all-sweating photo of her finishing a 7-km. run with the caption, “Bright 7K day!”

Yes, nearly three-quarters of a century old, my mom still has enough energy to outrun and outwork many 30-year-olds.

She founded our school, BRIGHT Academy / Play House Children’s Center, back in 1992. And though 32 years have passed, her love for her students is just as strong as it was when our family first converted a small garage into a classroom in Paradise Village.

My mom is often at the Bright Academy campus in Banilad as early as 7:15 a.m. and works tirelessly all day long. And what gives her extra power is her almost-daily exercise routine.

Walking/running is her favorite. On early (5:30 a.m.) Sunday mornings, she’d be at the Cebu Business Park to trek the winding roads for two hours. We’d message each other after and I’m often amazed that she’s outrun me with a farther distance.

Recently, she sent me this Viber message: “10 w/ 4… can you take a guess?”

I knew what it was: 10 kilometers including four bridges.

One of her goals is to run bridges around the world. And so in every city that my mom visits, she climbs the bridge. Golden Gate. Sydney Harbour. Brooklyn. London Bridge. She has also completed the half marathons in Singapore and Hong Kong. The three bridges (Cansaga-Marcelo Fernan-Mactan bridges) 25K event organized by Dr. Yong Larrazabal several years back? My mom has completed that.

Did I tell you she’ll be turning sweet 75 soon?

I think all of us can learn a couple of lessons from my mom.

First, enjoy what you do. “If you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” There is no more passionate person that I know of with children than my mom Allen.

Second.. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” That’s a mantra that my mom lives by. And it shows in her physique; still very slim and fit at her age. (Another confession: My only gripe with my mom, because of her healthy eating habits, is that she did not take after her mom, our Lola Ita. Our Lola loved Coca-Cola and imparted this “Coke addiction” to all of her apos. My mom never drinks Coke.)

“You don’t stop running because you get old; you get old because you stop running.”

To my running idol.. I love you, MOM!

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn

Aug 26, 2024

Last Saturday, I was asked by CCSC Commissioner and UC athletic director Jessica Jawad Honoridez to give a talk during the opening of the 32nd Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Cup at the Cebu Coliseum. Here’s my message:

Maayong buntag! Comm. Jessica Honoridez, congratulations for organizing the country’s longest-running table tennis event and one of the biggest, with over 1,000 participants. Jessica and I were together at the Paris Olympics.

At the Olympics, I had tickets to watch the semifinals of Table Tennis. But I had to give them up because it was at the same time as the competition of Elreen Ando. At the weightlifting competition, Jessica and I both watched Elreen Ando place sixth and get a Philippine record.

At the Paris Olympics, one of the most popular athletes among the 10,000 Olympians was Lebrun. Now, when I say “LeBron,” I know everyone will think of the NBA superstar. But to you, table tennis fans, you know that I’m not talking about LeBron James but about Felix Lebrun. He ended up winning two bronze medals for France, one in individual and one with his brother Alexis in the team event. Felix is only 17 years old — one of the youngest medalists in the Paris Olympics. Felix was a hero in France.

Here among you, I see many young athletes. Our hope is that, one day, some of you will represent the Philippines in the Olympics. We have the LA Olympics in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. You can be the Felix Lebrun of the Philippines.

Here’s my message to everyone this morning: Sometimes you Win, Sometimes you Learn.

This is a fundamental truth in sports: there will be very few winners and many, many losers. It doesn’t matter what event. Jawad Cup. Palaro. Batang Pinoy. Olympics.

This is a fact of life and of sports: there will be more losers than winners. In the Jawad Cup, you have 13 categories. This means that there will only be 13 champions. There will be hundreds who will not win and climb the podium.

Of course we want to win: Wins are exciting. We are happy. We pump our fist. Our friends and family congratulate us. They validate our dedication and hard work. They give us a sense of accomplishment. But let’s also remember, it’s not just about winning.

Losses can be tough to accept. They can shake our confidence. After a loss, we question our abilities. But, it’s in these moments that we have the greatest opportunity to learn and grow. Losses can teach us valuable lessons about perseverance and resilience.

The athlete’s journey is not a straight line. It’s a winding path filled with ups and downs. What’s important is to embrace both the wins and the losses as stepping stones on our journey. Every challenge and setback is an opportunity to grow and to become a better table tennis player. Because it’s not just about winning; it’s about the continuous cycle of learning and improving.

To all the participants of the 32nd Jawad Cup, congratulations. And never forget: Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.