1st Day in Palarong Pambansa 2013: A Note of Gratitude

It was really great to be part and be able to witness several action-packed sports competition on the Palarong Pambansa 2013. Woke up early yesterday which I kinda despise, but knowing I am heading to see and maybe meet some athletes makes a completely different take.

We arrived at the Media Center which also lead me to a more familiar-looking stadium-like for the football competition. I entered the stadium not really knowing what to expect from the teams but left feeling a little bit more comfortable with what this game is all about.

My basic premise is I cannot take this game less seriously and it is most certainly will not serve as a forecast for how the fall will play out, but it is fair to point out any positive and negative notes jotted down during the game.

For the most part I found myself writing down some positive comments in my notebook, and it seems as though that was the case for many around me in the media center.

All athletes that I see, I look up to them as the stars of the game. I saw familiar faces of athletes who were part of the previous Palarong Pambansa events, but I was more excited to be able to witness the new players for this year.

First stop was with a Basketball Game. Held in Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Centre. Players in their respective jersey, had some good, solid runs on their ways to yards and a touchdown. Some were really determined to make a name for themselves, running after finding a hole and open space along the right side of the field. I believe there could very well be a regular contributor of offense teaming up with each other in the back-field.

After some 30-minute full of intense game (which I honestly enjoyed watching) 🙂 , we decided to check out other games. Despite of the scorching hot weather, it didn’t stop us from moving on just to get a very good glimpse of what was going on with the games. We then realized ourselves in Don Bosco Saint Luis School for the Sepak Takraw game.

Yes, that’s right. Sepak Takraw. I first learned about this game when I was still in school and some of my classmates were part of the team. Though, I didn’t have interest before, when I learned that this is part of the Palarong Pambansa and that I will get to watch it live and with a real competition, got me more excited.

“Isa sa mga sinaunang laro sa Pilipinas and Sepak Takraw. Sana suportahan din ng mga kabataang Pilipino at ng buong Pilipinas dahil malaki ang ating potential sa larong ito. Magagaling ang mga manlalarong Pilipino” – the message of Mr. Ting Dumlao – Assistant Tournament Manager for Sepak Takraw

And last for our first day of coverage, we took off to the Chess Tournament. Held in the famous Siliman University, we were able to witness the opening ceremony. It was so nice to see the players who were really just tiny little kids but they got great minds, let me tell you that. 🙂

The ceremony was graced by the Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary – Hon. Tonisito Umali.

The Siliman Hall was full of kids ready for their battle. It was also heartwarming to see their coaches and parents giving them full support.

And then, there was the much awaited, Ceremonial Move. This is being done before a chess competition starts.

Our first day in Dumaguete City for the Palarong Pambansa was such a memory. Being part of this prestigious and patriotic event is such an honor for me. 🙂