Train Hard, Play Hard, Study Harder

This was my message to the athletes of the State Universities and Colleges in Region 1 when I was invited as guest speaker in the opening of their SCUAA Games.

I told them they should train hard like Dirk Nowitzki who perfected his game by shooting thousands of 3-point shots in practices, and studying the moves that would give him freedom to shoot at close range even with the basketball game’s strongest men guarding him.  They should train like Stephen Curry who likewise shoots thousands of shots and practices all kinds of moves in practice.

I told them to play hard.  Bill Russel, who won eleven championships with the Boston Celtics, "the man with more rings than fingers" according to former NBA Commissioner David Stern, said "The game is scheduled. We will have to play it.  We might as well win." Naka schedule na ang laro.  Lalaro tayo. Pilitin na nating manalo, nandyan na yan e!

But they should study harder.  Kahit gaanong karaming gold medals ang mapanalunan nila, sabi ko sa mga athletes, bale wala lahat yan kung hindi sila makakagraduate. 

The opening ceremonies were graced by local politicians, namely, Ilocos Sur Board Member Efren Rafanan Sr., Congressman Eric Singson, and Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur Mayor Edgar Florendo.  The affair was also attended by Region 1 SUC Presidents.  Present were Pres. Dexter Buted of the Pangasinan State University, Pres. Shirley Agrupis of MMSU, Pres. Elizabeth Gacusana of the North Luzon Philippines State College, and Pres. Gilbert Arce of the University of Northern Philippines.   The host SUC is the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College headed by Pres. Francisco Lopez.

Dun sa isinabit sa akin na sash, pakiwari ko ba parang pang yung lalaban sa mga Mister and Miss.