The Travelling Coach

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...