Former national team coach Biboy Rivera, balik-bowling ulit

Transcript

00:00 After his coaching career in the national bowling team, B-boy Rivera is slowly returning to competitive bowling.

00:06 He was once the world champion and Asian Games champion, but in his last competition in a local competition,

00:13 he was able to add another title to his name.

00:17 Let's find out what it is in the story of Kye Sun-Shiong.

00:20 B-boy Rivera is back in the competitive scene of bowling.

00:27 He is one of the new players he has been training for, after his service in the national team this year.

00:33 Rivera is enjoying the tournaments, sometimes against the national players.

00:38 He is also playing against the national team's retired kegglers, like his idol, Paeng Nepomuceno.

00:44 At 49 years old, Rivera dreams of playing for the national team

00:49 and being with the six-time world champion, Nepomuceno, in international tournaments,

00:54 like the World Championships for the senior level.

00:57 I told Coach Paeng that I'm only turning 50 in a few months, so why don't I do it too?

01:09 Ever since, I've been looking up to him. He became my role model.

01:15 I remember when I was younger, coming up to him and telling him,

01:21 "One day, I'll be your teammate."

01:26 And that day came true.

01:28 Rivera has not denied the 2010 Asian Games Gold Medalist,

01:32 but his adjustments to the game have now reached his age.

01:36 Well, I've shifted to a lower weight, so from 15 to 14 pounds.

01:42 But I've proven that I can still win using 14 pounds.

01:50 Age, for me, is... if you're a senior, yes, it's just a number.

01:55 But I still plan to compete with the younger ones.

02:00 So our goal is to be the best bowler you can be, regardless of what age you are.

02:08 If you can win, competing with the national team, with the younger ones.

02:13 But what else can Rivera ask for in his return to playing?

02:19 For now, it's just to enjoy.

02:21 But maybe along the way, when I can practice more, can compete more,

02:29 then maybe the goal is to win a gold medal in the World Senior Championship.

02:34 Rivera is now attending various local tournaments,

02:38 which are often attended by Pomoceno and other former and current national bowlers.

02:45 One of his last matches was the 2023 Broadspeak Manila Open

02:49 that was held on August 11 in Star Mall, Magdaluyong City.

02:53 I'm Teresa Munchon, Biddivi Sports.