Three years ago, a young Sagradan shuttler had a dream of competing in Palarong Pambansa.
Zeth Quiambao finally achieved one of his goals as he did not only represent the region but also notching a bronze medal in the Boys Team-Tie (Elementary) event of the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa last April 15-21 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
With the combined efforts of the incoming grade 6 shuttler and his teammates from Central Luzon, Region 3 was able to make it in the semifinals round but they lost to Region 6 which handed them the bronze.
On the other hand, Quiambao, who also participated in the singles category, reached the quarterfinals phase but went short against Region 4A’s two-time Palaro athlete Nyson Reyes in a close two-set defeat, 17-21, 18-21, that wrapped his journey this year still with flying colors.
“Nung nanalo ako ng gold sa CLRAA, tuwang-tuwa ako kasi makakapag Palaro na ako. Isa yun sa dreams ko bilang athlete kasi pinakamataas na level na yun dito sa Philippines at naisip ko lahat ng pinagdaanan ko nung nagstart pa lang ako humawak ng raketa hanggang sa ngayon,” said Quiambao when asked about his thoughts of marking a tremendous year in his career.
Even though he was not able to move forward to the next stages, his ever-supportive parents were very happy of their son’s achievements.
“Tuwang-tuwa po ako para sa anak ko dahil alam kong isa iyon sa mga pangarap niya,” said Arcy Quiambao, his father, in an interview.
According also to his dad, who also serves as his coach and trainer, they went to Vigan five days earlier so his son would be familiar of the climate, surroundings, food, and more because these are some factors that can help to Quiambao’s performance.
The Baliwagenyo’s father also prepared the Sagradan athlete to be physically, mentally, spiritually tougher for the national meet since almost all of the players were older and taller as expected. The drills and conditioning were very difficult and he made sure that the food before and after the training was right.
Before the summer vacation, the student-athlete, who was listed in the honor roll with high honors award, was on a hard situation where he needed to balance academics and trainings because he also wanted to maintain his grades.
Consistent motivation also assisted Zeth to attain his dream, reminding him to never give up in every obstacle, opportunity, and dream, with the support of his whole family all the way in his Palaro journey.
“Gusto kong pasalamatan si God for giving me the talent na nakainspire din sa fellow athletes na maging palaban at mapuso sa laro. Sa dad ko na masipag magtrain sa akin at sa mom ko na matiyagang namumulot ng hundreds of shuttlecocks kapag training ko. Napakasupoortive nila sa napili kong career kahit nahihirapan na sila ng husto,” stated Quiambao, who was a semifinalist of CLRAA last year.
He also wants to thank his grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, prayer warriors, sparring partners, Team Prima coaches and teammates, Apacs Makati family, to those who gave inspirational messages, and to the people who supported, believed, and prayed for him.
Now, he’s looking forward of having a chance to play for the international age group tournaments which is one of his aspirations, to represent Philippines globally.
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