The Travelling Coach

If you like eating that much there is no other place in the country that is best to visit than Pampanga. Kapampangans are well known for their culinary skills. That is why it is the "Center for Culinary Arts." Yes, Sisig was born here! Anyway, I'm not here to make you hungry but to make you want to get your table tennis racket and swing it away. I happen to visit one of the largest fitness center in San Fernando Pampanga - SMASH POWER. And yes it is a haven for Badminton players because it is primarily a badminton house not until last year that they invested on Tables Tennis Equipments. And not just tables - Butterfly Table Tennis Tables! 4 Tables protected by plactic to prevent dust. These 25k peso babies are really well taken care of. Refreshments and some snacks Well, I only saw a few butterfly balls on sale but Badminton enthusiasts would be happy to see the displays And these too! Or Table Tennis might not be ...

The 10 hour drive from Manila was all worth it! A relief from the complicated life in the Metro City. As their web site would describe,” a lush plain at the northern gateway to Isabela announces the entry to Region 2's most vibrant, most talked-about, and most exciting premier city. At its southern entrance, a picturesque view of rice fields expanding against a burgeoning metropolitan backdrop of buildings and housing subdivisions greets the eye with a rousing welcome that sings again and again here at its eastern and western passages the rhapsodies of a booming economy: spouting commercial clusters, huge and imposing grain stations, and people happily going about the path to fulfillment.” What is more fulfilling is to meet the city’s table tennis pride. It was Jun Ducusin Santiago City Table Tennis Club coach who patiently guided me on my way to SCTTC venue.   Atty. Artemio Villaluz owns the place. He told me that after work he just wanted to play table tennis...

From Left: Odie Cruz (Meralco), Nikko Amurao (Casa Milan), Mel Amurao (Meralco), Robi Gregorio (Meralco), Me, Rebo KM Cruz (Coach Meralco, UPHR, PCC, CTCC, Green Paddle), Mel Abeto (Meralco) and, Johansen Cubinar.  I cannot be more delighted than to know that there is a table tennis club just a few blocks away from our office. And it can’t be better to see that one of country’s finest player Rebo KM Cruz is in the house! Robi consults his mentor for tips on how to improve his game. Rebo does what he do best. I happen to chance a few players and saw how dedicated these people are in their passion for development. Rebo manages the regular training and coaching of the team. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are their schedule from 6pm to 9pm.  They are now open for registration and in the middle of organizing the club. It was Robi Gregorio who introduced me to the group. It was through facebook that he caught my attention. For those interested you can get in touch w...

February 16, 2012 Who said only La Union has both bowling lanes and table tennis playing area? Crystal Lanes in Olongapo houses probably most of Gapo’s best table tennis players.  It is in here I have found friends and several other players who spent liters of sweat to train and meet other players. Emer their in-house Coach/Trainor told me that they are housing strong players here and strong drinkers alike. While I was bursting in laughter I felt how deep friendship was with these enthusiasts and athletes.  It is in this place I saw bi-talented individuals (playing table tennis and bowling at the same time).  The place comes alive right after school or office hours. Players from different schools and industries come here to either release stress or develop their talents.  Though the place can get a bit crowded when there are bowling players and visitors but no one can stop you from enjoying the sport you have always loved. Anyway be it a small p...

For more than 3 years travelling in Pangasinan I finally found some time to look for a club or a playing venue in Dagupan. A few minutes away from Calasiao right in the heart of Dagupan City Department of Education I met Sir Edil Abalos, DepEd Education Program Supervisor.  I asked him where I could find a table tennis club here in Dagupan. He stood up and pointed me just in front of his office building. Unfortunately there were no players during that time. I was hoping i'll be able to meet some kids or the coach. Sir Edil told me players usually come pass 5 pm and trains during the weekend. He said that there are no official club or club name for the group yet and still at the process of organizing a clinic this summer. I couldn't help but think of the potentials and the opportunities for the place. A table tennis venue just in front of the Dep Ed and with a Supervisor more than willing to reach out and create a haven for all enthusiasts and table tennis profes...

Nueva Ecija Cabanatuan City Table Tennis Association January 25, 2012 It’s always amazing to see very young kids that are determined to excel and was trained to win. It was Coach Dante and his daughters' unwavering passion for table tennis that made Nueva Ecija Cabanatuan City Table Tennis Association an icon of excellence and fun. As always I was welcomed by their warm smiles Patricia, etc etc. Presly was also there, gave me a high five and walked me in. The kids were about to start training. As I have heard they are preparing for an upcoming meet this February 15. Energy is flowing and there seems to be no shortage of fun and laughter. I noticed how these young ladies were trained to use long pimples. As Coach Presly uses her experience as a LP user herself, I could see she got a handful of talents striking good blocks and receives service really effectively with their weapon of choice. I enjoyed playing with the kids that I couldn’t stop myself from hitting a few...

“There are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning and yearning. Table tennis is more than just a sport; it's a passion that ignites the soul. It's a game that demands both physical and mental strength, and once you get hooked, you'll never want to stop playing. The sound of the ball pounding on your racket when you hit that winning drive, the adrenaline rush you feel when you make a perfect shot, and the satisfaction of knowing you're improving with each game - these are just a few of the reasons why table tennis is so addictive. As you step onto the court, you feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Your hands feel cold and sweaty, and your heart races with anticipation. You take a deep breath, and suddenly, the world around you fades away as you focus on the game. You watch the ball as it bounces back and forth across the table, and you wait for the perfect moment to strike. And when you do, you feel a sense of accomplishment that's hard to...