BY Philippine Information Agency
Nothing is ever too late.
This is what 17-year-old Alvin Mernard M. Sevilla of Batangas State University Armando R. Apacible School of Fisheries (ARASOF) Campus in Nasugbu, Batangas learned, as he will soon fulfill his late father’s dream for him – to be in Palarong Pambansa.
In the recent Southern Tagalog CALABARZON Athletic Association (STCAA) Sports Competition in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Alvin finally held in his hands the gold medal that would bring him to Palarong Pambansa, which was his life-long dream as well as his father’s.
“Para sa Tatay ko ito. Pangarap ito ng Tatay ko sa akin,” he tearfully said.
His father, Mr. Arnaldo Sevilla, was a faculty member of the said university and a sports enthusiast, passed away years ago and was not able to witness his son’s triumph. Nevertheless, with his passing, Alvin remained steady in reaching for his dream.
He started playing table tennis when he was in elementary and was able to display such remarkable skill that enabled him to participate in different competitions such as in the district, provincial and STCAA competitions, even in the National Binay Cup where he bagged the gold.
He continued when he was in Junior High School and was able to beat the best paddlers in CALABARZON.
However, the ticket to Palarong Pambansa remained elusive, especially as a student-athlete. He has to cope and make up for the days he was gone from school to train for his chosen sport.
“I am just like any other normal student who strives for better education while enjoying the game that I love. Balancing between my studies and sports is not a problem for me, I can manage it,” he said.
In his recent conquest, Alvin gave the 2016 Rank 1 Rizal player a close fight and emerged as 2017 STCAA Table Tennis Champion.
“Continuous training, coupled with patience and dedication, is not the only factor for my victory, I could never have gotten over the hump without the never-ending support of my mother, Mrs. Mercy Sevilla. This win is for her,” said Alvin.
Alvin will be representing the Batangas Province Table Tennis Singles A in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa this April in the picturesque Antique.