CTU Main alumnus Dexler Bolambao snagged gold medal in arnis at the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games, that opened on a grand scale on November 30.
In August, Bolambao had made it clear to prepare well, as he dreamed of scaling to the top. Decidedly, he took it by storm on December 1, being a first-timer at the biennial event.
The CTU pride destroyed composure of Burmese opponent Soc Paing at bantamweight full contact live stick event Sunday afternoon at the Angeles University Foundation in Clark City , making him the first Cebuano arnisador to ever draw the 24-karat gold medal .
The Philippine National Arnis Team realized the government’s directive of providing him with hardcore training. He told UICP of surviving it to attain the goal.
“Marami kaming preparations… talagang hard training ang ginawa ng mga coaches namin…polidong training na kung mahina isip, puso o katawan mo talagang susuko at susuko ka… .”
He even compared his training to that of the Philippine Army that requires full commitment to the plan.
Playing well in the bantamweight category, he recalled how discipline taught by the organization made him decisive.
“Hindi lang pag aarnis yong tinuturo …kundi disiplina rin sa sarili…pati na yong ibig sabihin sa salitang atleta… .”
Most importantly his being able to ponder on the real essence of sportsmanship prepared him as to the outcome of the game.
“Bukod pa don, sa bawat laro na madadaanan namin dapat alam namin paano tumangap ng pagkatalo….”
Once the moment turned well to his favor, he dedicated his victory to his family and country.
His recent success drew a huge following on the CTU facebook page, with a majority of netizens recognizing his contribution to the institution that previously brought him multiple times to the regional and national State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) games.
As for future plans, he spilled his interest in going for more international tournaments other than the recent one and the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF)-hosted events in Hawaii and China, where he clinched with gold medals. Ale Taneo/ICPA