LESSONS FROM MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ

courtesy of scoopboy.com

Micheal Christian Martinez did the country proud by giving his all at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. He finished 19th out of 24 who qualified for the free skate event. The event was won by sensational Japanese figure skater Huzuru Hanyu.

From Michael's example, Filipinos will do well to remember that there is more to sports outside basketball. Michael dared to go into a sport that is so unheard of in the country. Yet, he was able to make it all the way to the Olympics. Something that the country's basketball team has not achieved in 42 years.

It is noteworthy too that Michael and his mom were determined to succeed despite the lack of support from government. As per Philippine Sports Commission records, Michael is not even considered a national athlete. He does not receive a monthly allowance from PSC. Yet, through private sponsorships, he was able to pursue his extremely expensive sport. He was smart enough to tap the private sector to help him defray the cost of figure skating.

Michael started figure skating at the age of 8. His early start in the sport emphasizes the need to start athletes at a very young age. Sports leaders will do well to find potential national athletes at elementary level.

Lastly, the country stands behind those who are determined to succeed despite the great odds that Filipinos face everyday. Filipinos were able to identify with Michael because he showed what even talented Filipinos go through just to pursue their dreams. Sponsors were scarce that Michael's mom had to write to President Noynoy for help. And just like every Filipino who asks help from government, Michael's plea fell on deaf ears. But that did not stop the young athlete to just go on. Much like every Juan dela Cruz who has to contend with financial problems everyday, Michael courageously searched for ways just to survive. Now that he has shown his great potential in front of the whole world, the possibilities for Michael are now endless.

Hopefully, with what Michael managed to show the whole world, Filipinos will get to learn a lot. Hopefully, the lessons will not be limited to sports but life in general.

COACH VICENTE OF THE PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL MEN'S POOL, RICHARD GOMEZ AND I : AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

An unusual thing happened as I was to interview Richard Gomez. As I asked permission from Coach Vicente, he, the coach, nonchalantly told me that the team does not grant media interviews. I was surprised and disappointed with what the coach said as Gomez had already agreed to do the interview since last week. I left Rizal Memorial Coliseum without getting an interview with Gomez.

I only want to interview Gomez because I want people, most especially athletes, to take his lead. Despite being a popular actor, model and athlete, he attends practices regularly. In fact, he comes to practice way ahead of everyone, including the coach. He does not mind training in oven-hot Rizal Memorial Coliseum and exerts effort to befriend his teammates. The interview would have shown the right attitude and mindset that Gomez possesses which make him a truly outstanding athlete.

On the other hand, a lot of the players in the national pool do not even come to practice. They are not half as athletic nor good-looking as Gomez yet act as if they deserve entitlement. More than two-thirds of those in the pool can not even come on time for training.

I am disturbed that the coach can prevent media from doing its job. I can not think of a valid reason for adopting a no media interview policy. And to set the record straight, Coach Vicente is not coaching the Philippine Men's National team. He is merely coaching the club team that the Philippines will send to the Asian Men's Club Championship. A poor performance from his team in the said tournament might even just cost him the coaching job for the national team.

Hopefully when he is out of the team, I will finally get to interview the members of the volleyball national team without any hassle.

2014 ASIAN CLUB MEN'S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Asian Club Men's Volleyball Championship will be held in Manila from April 8-16, 2014. Clubs from the following nations have confirmed their participation :

1. Iran

2. Taipei

3. Kazakstan

4. China

5. India

6. Mongolia

7. Oman

8. Qatar

9. Hongkong

10. Lebanon

11. Papua New Guinea

12. Kuwait

13. Turkmenistan

14. Vietnam

15. UAE

16. Iraq

17. Japan

The Philippines will be represented by members of the national team.

FIBA WORLD CUP : FAR MORE THAN TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM FOR THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is in Group B for FIBA World Cup to be held in Spain starting this August. Gilas Pilipinas will face Argentina, Greece, Croatia, Puerto Rico and Senegal in the group stage.

Based on current FIBA rankings, the Philippines will have the easiest time against 41st-ranked Senegal. It will have a tough time against 3rd-ranked Argentina, 5th-ranked Greece, 16th-ranked Croatia and 17th-ranked Puerto Rico. The Philippines is currently ranked 34th.

What is truly incredulous is that Gilas Pilipnas has not started practicing for the prestigious tournament. It seems that the coach and handlers of the team are still waiting for the PBA to end its current conference before conducting rigorous training. The coach is in fact in Spain to inspect the venue of the games. He is just so busy posting pictures of the venue on Twitter and Instagram.

With training taking a backseat, what then can Filipinos expect from Gilas Pilipinas at the World Cup ? The coach and handlers of Gilas Pilipinas will do well to go beyond the drama, pure talk and inanities. A coffee table book on the exploits of Gilas Pilipinas during FIBA Asia will not guarantee a good showing at FIBA World Cup. Nor will pictures of the venue assure the country of entry to the round of 16. Hard work and perseverance will.

THE NATIONAL POOL FOR THE PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Below are the players included in the national pool for the Philippine women's volleyball team :

1. Leslie Ann Pantone
2. Angelique Dionela
3. Ma. Angeli Tabaquero
4. Rachel Ann Daquis
5. Janine Nicole Marciano
6. Lawrence Ann Latigay
7. Honey Rose Tubino
8. Michelle Laborte
9. Mary Jane Balse
10. Lutgarda Malaluan
11. Janette Panaga
12. Jovelyn Gonzaga
13. Ariane Argarin
14. Rapril Aguilar
15. Michelle Datuin
16. Ma. Abigail Praca
17. Lilet Mabbayad
18. Angela Benting
19. Janine Navarro
20. Rhea Dimaculangan
21. Rubie de Leon
22. Myka Ortiz
23. Suzanne Roces
24. Shirley Salamagos
25. Christine Joy Rosario
26. Aleone Santiago
27. Alyja Santiago
28. Abigail Marano
29. Alyza Valdez
30. Kimberly Fajardo
31. Myka Ortiz

What is very interesting is that the players from numbers 20-31 did not bother to tryout. The coaches of the team included these players nonetheless in the event that they are suddenly agree to play for the country.

I have always been very vocal against players who just don't care about playing for the country. As the list reveals, these players are the same ones who turned down the offer to play for the national team before.

What is shocking is that the coaches and team handlers continue to beg for these players to join the national team. If the team is going to be made up of those who do not even  bother to attend the try-outs, what does that say about the commitment of these players ? And how will those players who tried out feel ?

I think it is best just to keep those who tried out and continue to pour in time and effort for the team. While the team may lack in several things without the popular players, the committed players can be trained together to somehow become competitive. The coaches and handlers of the team will do well to value commitment and willingness to serve the country among their players.