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| Filipino athletes who are in this year's 31st SEA Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam |
Sports is indeed a force that can help unite any nation such as the Philippines that was recently divided by political beliefs.
Watching your flag rise as the nation is being recognized, is truly an honor. Sincerely, thank you to Filipino athletes, the whole delegation and to the Filipino community in Vietnam for the glory that you all bring to our country. (As of 730pm, today May 19, 2022, Philippines has a total of 40 golds)
I specifically commend the so-called "magician" Efren "Bata" Reyes who despite his seniority has agreed to play and represent the Philippines in the 31st SEA Games. Bata may have fall short of his attempt to contribute to RPs medal tally, but the heart and the joy to bring Filipinos pride is always there.
Also, congratulations to EJ Obiena, that despite the obstacles he experienced prior to his preparations in the SEA Games have remained focused. Obiena has defended his title at the Men's Pole Vault Event and contributed in securing gold medal for the Philippines, much so, he carved a new record at the SEA Games with a 5.46 meter jump.
Of course, it is likewise equally commendable the efforts of Carlos Yulo for the men's all-around gymnastics. He bagged five gold medals and two silver medals. But despite Yulo's recent success he continued to commit to improve his performance for the coming competitions.
Bata Reyes, EJ Obiena and Caloy Yulo were among the many athletes who continue to strive to bring honor and pride to the country. Meanwhile, to others out there who tried to inch his or herself to be labeled either an athlete or coach, ask yourself first, why are you there? Why are you doing this? Is it just for fun or are you committed to bring honor, pride and respect to your community, league and/or organization? Because being an athlete is not just wearing the jersey and handling the event you are in, there is much more to that.
Therefore, for my two cents point of view being a former athlete who was once awarded by my high school alma mater as volleyball-athlete of the year 1991, not all who can play can be called an athlete as one must show discipline, lead the team, show sportsmanship, and deliver performance. All the more to the label coach. Not because you understand the technicalities of a specific game you can easily grab the title. You have to equally understand the overall game, its technicalities and must be able to provide training, communicate and balance your players' characters and skills with discipline, encouragement, and provide solutions to the challenges besetting your team and a lot more other things, and not the first one who will give up. Until you can do and deliver these, everything else would be just for a theatrical play.