On the 4th day of the Palarong Pambansa in  Antique, High School Centralian Ramil Salarda gets a gold medal for winning first in the Taekwando competition. Salarda finds his way to victory once he joined the West Visayas Regional Athletic  Association contingent. He aimed for this opportunity, and through guts and determination was able to overcome his opponent.

Salarda owes his strength and endurance from years of consistent Training in Taekwando while diligently going to school and  learning endurance and discipline during practice at the gym.

Ramil Salarda who hails from the municipality of San Miguel, Iloilo is a Senior High School student at Central Philippine University. He is a Varsity player of CPU and a member of the Iloilo Kyorugi Team.

Before winning in this year’s Palarong Pambansa, Salarda is a  Bronze Medalist in Palarong Pambansa 2015 and 2016.

CAN- with update from Gibbs Geromiano Caluba/CPU Sports Office

Centralian excellence in sports – Nikhel Supeda Nowlakha, a grade 6 pupil of CPU Elementary qualified in the two week IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program to be held at Florida, USA on June-July 2017.

The IMG Academy Bollettieri tennis program pioneered the concept of a residency program nearly 40 years ago and still sets the standard by which all tennis academies around the world are measured. Through the program’s focus on technical, tactical, physical, and mental instruction, they’ve developed champions at every level. With a program infrastructure that allows for student-athletes to grow and compete with others with similar skill sets, IMG Academy tennis represents the ultimate program for everyone from nationally ranked elite players with aspirations of being a professional to those who want to compete at all levels of collegiate tennis (www.imgacademy.com).

The program has trained thousands of young tennis enthusiasts. Notable alumni of the program include Andre Agassi, Björn Borg, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

Nowlakha who ranks  14th  in the Philippines among his age group, is no. 1 in Visayas. He has been representing CPU in various tennis tournaments across the country.  Last year, he ranked 4th in the tennis singles competition during Palarong Pambansa. This year, he placed 1st in the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVRISAA) tennis singles and doubles with his partner Jan Roger Lamparero, and will be once again representing Region 6 in the nationals. “I really want to win the gold this year for CPU.”

With his mother, Ma. Concepcion Supeda, Nowlakha  goes to the CPU Tennis Court from Mondays to Fridays at 6:00 in the morning so that he can practice with his coach Noel Sorilla. “My coach encourages me a lot, he teaches me a lot about tennis.” He shares that though he is competing for both tennis singles and doubles he prefers to play doubles. “I first started playing tennis doubles, so I’m used to it. If we make a mistake, my partner and I would just high five and encourage each other. Tennis taught me to have patience and to always push my body to the limit.”

At the age of 12, Nowlakha sees himself playing tennis for the rest of his life. However, he will have different priorities by then. “I would love to play tennis all my life but when I grow up, I will probably play it as a hobby. I want take up Bachelor of Science in Biology and become a Doctor.”

“My parents, my coaches, and my trainers inspire me to become a better player. I would encourage other young person like me who also wants to excel in tennis to train hard, to follow their coach and to not be lazy.”

Most of the 100 plus athletes and coaches of the CPU Golden Lions gathered for a convocation on April 17, 2017 at the University Church. The CPU delegation is the biggest delegation representing Western Visayas PRISAA in the National PRISAA on April 23-28, 2017 at Iba, Zambales.

Sepak Takraw Coach, Pastor Keith Dune R. Gallos led the singing of praise songs that were enthusiastically sang by the group. CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles inspired the athletes by telling them that it is already an honor and a privilege to land a spot in the National PRISAA competition. He reminded them that CPU is expecting them to play fairly and to the best of their ability. Winning the championship would just be an added bonus. Dr. Robles assured the athletes that the administration will continue to support the sports program of the University.

Vice President for Student Affairs, and at the same time, President of the WVPRISAA, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico gave the inspirational reflection based on the life prophet Jeremiah when he was called by God. Rev. Gico imparted three important lessons: First, be prepared. Second, continue on doing the task that God has given you. Third, put your whole trust in God. With these points, he encouraged everyone to show to whole country the talents coming from Region VI.

For the Closing Remarks, CPU Sports Director Atty. Alejandro Somo put in mind to the athletes and coaches that they must bring the Central Spirit wherever they go, and should not forget that they are bringing the name of CPU. He reiterated that all of them must have faith in God, and should continually look out for each other.

The convocation was ended by a dedicatory prayer led by the University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian.

The convocation leader was Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Table Tennis Coach.