Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.
– Vince Lombardi, American football coach (1913-1970)
I PLAY sports, write, and deal with life’s challenges with one goal in mind: to win.
Almost a decade ago, I started watching and playing games because of sports’ promise of glory. After all, each of us would want to be victors after putting our heart and soul into our endeavors.
But as I learned sports over the years, I realized that specializing in this area has a price—an expensive one at that.
The varsity players, although winners in their respective fields, are not seen as winners in the academe. They are seen as incidental students, people who go to school just to play and not to be educated. Sports is not viewed as a field of learning, but merely an alternative venture for students of poor academic standing.
But sports, just like academics and life in general, is a combat zone. Sports is a very serious matter as it gives everybody a fair chance to use his God-given talents and develop these into perfection. After withstanding all the bruises brought by the battlefield, the happy-go-lucky become disciplined and learn from their mistakes, and, in some instances, like our Tigers, the underdogs become champions.
The other price to pay is that sports, just as life, does not guarantee triumph.
There are times that even after all our talents, perseverance, self-denial and dedication, we still fall short of winning, or at the least we will not get what we deserve. But not bringing home the bacon is not a valid reason for us to give up and forget all the prior sacrifices we have made. After all, winning is not only achieved by having the flair, but also having the incredible will to still make it happen against all odds, especially amid naysayers and after suffering defeat. I should know. I have been a prey and a witness to countless heartbreaking losses and sweet victories as a sports fan, an athlete, and a Varsitarian editor.
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And now that my college and V games are over, I would like to thank a few people who helped me emerge somewhat triumphant.
To my legendary coach, Sir Lito, thank you for the Magic Flakes and your constructive criticisms which equipped me for the greater tasks ahead. The same goes to this year’s Editorial Board for recognizing and appreciating my efforts.
To my Sports teammates—boss Karla, Ate Icy, Kuya Don, Kuya Bimbo, Anthony, Maje, and RJ, I appreciate the lessons and the respect you all continue to give me. Anthony, Maje and RJ, thank you for trusting in my abilities even if at times, I doubted myself. We all steered our team to victory.
To my cheering squad–Adrian, Karla, Tonying, Marc, Ketch, Palo, Kuya Jason, Jordan, Barx, and Dianne, thank you for rooting for me and making me complete. I will leave the V with the heaviest of hearts because you are like brothers to me. To Adrian, Tonying and Marc, my extra thanks for being with me until I get to ride the elusive SM Fairview FX. I know we will all have our true love when we least expect it.
To my challengers turned buddies–Jam, Raye, and most especially Jordan, time and again you have made me feel that I can do great things, professionally and personality-wise. I am very glad that we ended up playing good music together.
To the incumbent staff—Mitch, Jenny, Hershey, Kristine, Myla, Rieze, Kerwin, and to my protégé Celina, you are so blessed to have made it out of the more than 30,000 Thomasians to the V, so make the most out of it. And Ivan, put my trust to good use.
To my parents, my greatest fans, a million thanks for your unfaltering love and support all the way. I love you very much and I am sorry for coming home late.
To the Thomasian athletes, thank you for always inspiring me with your exceptional feats. Never get tired of keeping up the good work.
And to Almighty God, You are simply amazing for making great things possible in my life. To God be the glory.
Once a V staffer, always a V staffer!
