Rugby Chronicles 4

It has been three weeks since I started this whole Rugby Team. I´d have to admit, my original reason to join these Rugby Trainings is to finish this blog entries and win the contest. However, after all the pains that I have experienced, I have to take this more seriously. What´s to lose, anyway? I have felt all the pains that my body could endure. All that is left is to enjoy the game.

When they told me that the team where I belong lost during the games the Saturday before, I wasn´t in any shock. In fact, I even expected them to lose. After all, they were playing with blokes who have been practicing for more than a year while at the most experienced among us only had 5 days of practice. In fact, if they won that would have surprised me more.

But that was before they told me what really happened. Coach, himself, was too eager to ask who did not play that day. Of course, he knew that majority of us was not there. There were only 7 who went to play the game. And three of them weren´t even there that day. I just know he wanted us to spill it ourselves.

So why did we lose again? As they said, there were only seven people. Meaning, there was no chance to chance for them to take some rest. And with a line-up like that, who would expect them to win?

Some of the members of the Vipers (fondly called Timbog) after the rugby training.

That was my first lesson of the day. All these time, I never thought they´d expect me to play. I thought they just saw me as someone who´s just playing for the sake of playing (which actually was my first real reason). But on that night, I felt that I did something wrong. And even if I was telling them since the start that I won´t be able to make if last Saturday, it was as if there can never be a reason to justify my absence.

The first lesson of the day : Your team needs you. This case, my team needed my. Actually, aside from it was my first day of class that day, I didn´t want to go because I felt very limited in knowledge. I wasn´t even sure if the way I do things were right. I felt, I´d just put my team is such a bad line-up that we will lose by leaps and bounds.

But even though they didn´t say anything to me directly, I felt it on my shoulder. I placed my team in a more fatal line-up because only 7 of them were left. No one had a chance to rest. So, probably by the second half of the game, everyone was already too tired to continue the fight. I realised, if I was there, I could have given some guys a time to rest so that he can recover his strength and replace me again. So that night, I told myself, I have to take it more seriously.

But enough with the emo stuff. Rugby is always and should always be fun. So there should be some happy moments that day. We did the same routine. And I was even scolded because I could not even follow simple directions. I just found myself listening to everyone because they were trying to explain to me everything that I did not understand. I realised, they really wanted me to learn.

Actually, when I didn´t understand it on the 5th explanation (yes, it took me more than 5 explanations before it got the simple instruction right), they could have told me to stop a while and let others (who comprehend better than me) do the playing. But they didn´t. Everyone waited patiently until I was able to get it. Talk about patience. They really know what that word means.

Me and Keone while doing a typical hand gesture in Hawaii. I don´t know what it means but he said it is a sign of friendship. Like a non-verbal version of Aloha.

After the game, back to the usual routine of trying to take some photos of my team mates and some members of the Philippine Volcanoes (most of all Wolfie and Chocoboy. Sino sila? Hehehe) Then we even had a photo with the boy from Hawaii, Keone. And really, they are so different when playing in the field. They call themselves the beasts. But after that game, when everyone is already settled down, it was as if they were transformed into somebody gentler.

Me and the Wolfe. However, I really think he´s more of the lamb here. Perhaps the beast will be seen in the games. But now, just the gentle Wolfe.

Back home, I was still too much overwhelmed to go to sleep. Fortunately, my body was not aching as before. So, while waiting for my eyes to get heavy, I opened my computer and checked my social networking sites. I have a friend invitation from a French boy. So, I accepted him as I always do to everyone. And suddenly he messaged me and told me that he became interested because he saw my Rugby photos. He happens to be related to a former player of Béziers. Actually, his grandfather played for Béziers and all his family played that same game.

I never though Rugby would bring me this far. All I wanted in the beginning was to meet some of the people from the Philippine Team and now, I even got to meet the grandson of an athlete in one of France´s most famous league. He was even surprised to learn that there are actually four teams of rugby existing (the Volcanoes, the Lady Volcanoes, the Tamaraws and the Vipers). Something astounding for a country who is so crazy with basketball.

Now, the encouragement to continue with rugby is not only limited to my fellow Filipinos. Some people from France are encouraging me to go on with it as well. Image, somewhere there at the other side of the earth became happy that a simple someone like me discovered the enjoyment of playing rugby.

Actually, I already have many friends from elsewhere around the globe. But when this boy from France told me how happy he was to know that someone in the Philippines is like me, (someone who enjoys rugby) I felt he was serious. It was as if he found a long lost friend after long years of search.

So, this ends my rugby chronicles. But surely, there will be more experiences with rugby in the future. More fun moments. And more friends. And that is all thanks to you, Rugby...

servido por Sangre 4 comentarios compártelo

Rugby Chronicles 4

It has been three weeks since I started this whole Rugby Team. I´d have to admit, my original reason to join these Rugby Trainings is to finish this blog entries and win the contest. However, after all the pains that I have experienced, I have to take this more seriously. What´s to lose, anyway? I have felt all the pains that my body could endure. All that is left is to enjoy the game.

When they told me that the team where I belong lost during the games the Saturday before, I wasn´t in any shock. In fact, I even expected them to lose. After all, they were playing with blokes who have been practicing for more than a year while at the most experienced among us only had 5 days of practice. In fact, if they won that would have surprised me more.

But that was before they told me what really happened. Coach, himself, was too eager to ask who did not play that day. Of course, he knew that majority of us was not there. There were only 7 who went to play the game. And three of them weren´t even there that day. I just know he wanted us to spill it ourselves.

So why did we lose again? As they said, there were only seven people. Meaning, there was no chance to chance for them to take some rest. And with a line-up like that, who would expect them to win?

That was my first lesson of the day. All these time, I never thought they´d expect me to play. I thought they just saw me as someone who´s just playing for the sake of playing (which actually was my first real reason). But on that night, I felt that I did something wrong. And even if I was telling them since the start that I won´t be able to make if last Saturday, it was as if there can never be a reason to justify my absence.

The first lesson of the day : Your team needs you. This case, my team needed my. Actually, aside from it was my first day of class that day, I didn´t want to go because I felt very limited in knowledge. I wasn´t even sure if the way I do things were right. I felt, I´d just put my team is such a bad line-up that we will lose by leaps and bounds.

But even though they didn´t say anything to me directly, I felt it on my shoulder. I placed my team in a more fatal line-up because only 7 of them were left. No one had a chance to rest. So, probably by the second half of the game, everyone was already too tired to continue the fight. I realised, if I was there, I could have given some guys a time to rest so that he can recover his strength and replace me again. So that night, I told myself, I have to take it more seriously.

But enough with the emo stuff. Rugby is always and should always be fun. So there should be some happy moments that day. We did the same routine. And I was even scolded because I could not even follow simple directions. I just found myself listening to everyone because they were trying to explain to me everything that I did not understand. I realised, they really wanted me to learn.

Actually, when I didn´t understand it on the 5th explanation (yes, it took me more than 5 explanations before it got the simple instruction right), they could have told me to stop a while and let others (who comprehend better than me) do the playing. But they didn´t. Everyone waited patiently until I was able to get it. Talk about patience. They really know what that word means.

After the game, back to the usual routine of trying to take some photos of my team mates and some members of the Philippine Volcanoes (most of all Wolfie and Chocoboy. Sino sila? Hehehe) Then we even had a photo with the boy from Hawaii, Keone. And really, they are so different when playing in the field. They call themselves the beasts. But after that game, when everyone is already settled down, it was as if they were transformed into somebody gentler.

Back home, I was still too much overwhelmed to go to sleep. Fortunately, my body was not aching as before. So, while waiting for my eyes to get heavy, I opened my computer and checked my social networking sites. I have a friend invitation from a French boy. So, I accepted him as I always do to everyone. And suddenly he messaged me and told me that he became interested because he saw my Rugby photos. He happens to be related to a former player of Béziers. Actually, his grandfather played for Béziers and all his family played that same game.

I never though Rugby would bring me this far. All I wanted in the beginning was to meet some of the people from the Philippine Team and now, I even got to meet the grandson of an athlete in one of France´s most famous league. He was even surprised to learn that there are actually four teams of rugby existing (the Volcanoes, the Lady Volcanoes, the Tamaraws and the Vipers). Something astounding for a country who is so crazy with basketball.

Now, the encouragement to continue with rugby is not only limited to my fellow Filipinos. Some people from France are encouraging me to go on with it as well. Image, somewhere there at the other side of the earth became happy that a simple someone like me discovered the enjoyment of playing rugby.

Actually, I already have many friends from elsewhere around the globe. But when this boy from France told me how happy he was to know that someone in the Philippines is like me, (someone who enjoys rugby) I felt he was serious. It was as if he found a long lost friend after long years of search.

So, this ends my rugby chronicles. But surely, there will be more experiences with rugby in the future. More fun moments. And more friends. And that is all thanks to you, Rugby...

servido por Sangre sin comentarios compártelo

Rugby Chronicles 4

It has been three weeks since I started this whole Rugby Team. I´d have to admit, my original reason to join these Rugby Trainings is to finish this blog entries and win the contest. However, after all the pains that I have experienced, I have to take this more seriously. What´s to lose, anyway? I have felt all the pains that my body could endure. All that is left is to enjoy the game.

When they told me that the team where I belong lost during the games the Saturday before, I wasn´t in any shock. In fact, I even expected them to lose. After all, they were playing with blokes who have been practicing for more than a year while at the most experienced among us only had 5 days of practice. In fact, if they won that would have surprised me more.

But that was before they told me what really happened. Coach, himself, was too eager to ask who did not play that day. Of course, he knew that majority of us was not there. There were only 7 who went to play the game. And three of them weren´t even there that day. I just know he wanted us to spill it ourselves.

So why did we lose again? As they said, there were only seven people. Meaning, there was no chance to chance for them to take some rest. And with a line-up like that, who would expect them to win?

That was my first lesson of the day. All these time, I never thought they´d expect me to play. I thought they just saw me as someone who´s just playing for the sake of playing (which actually was my first real reason). But on that night, I felt that I did something wrong. And even if I was telling them since the start that I won´t be able to make if last Saturday, it was as if there can never be a reason to justify my absence.

The first lesson of the day : Your team needs you. This case, my team needed my. Actually, aside from it was my first day of class that day, I didn´t want to go because I felt very limited in knowledge. I wasn´t even sure if the way I do things were right. I felt, I´d just put my team is such a bad line-up that we will lose by leaps and bounds.

But even though they didn´t say anything to me directly, I felt it on my shoulder. I placed my team in a more fatal line-up because only 7 of them were left. No one had a chance to rest. So, probably by the second half of the game, everyone was already too tired to continue the fight. I realised, if I was there, I could have given some guys a time to rest so that he can recover his strength and replace me again. So that night, I told myself, I have to take it more seriously.

But enough with the emo stuff. Rugby is always and should always be fun. So there should be some happy moments that day. We did the same routine. And I was even scolded because I could not even follow simple directions. I just found myself listening to everyone because they were trying to explain to me everything that I did not understand. I realised, they really wanted me to learn.

Actually, when I didn´t understand it on the 5th explanation (yes, it took me more than 5 explanations before it got the simple instruction right), they could have told me to stop a while and let others (who comprehend better than me) do the playing. But they didn´t. Everyone waited patiently until I was able to get it. Talk about patience. They really know what that word means.

After the game, back to the usual routine of trying to take some photos of my team mates and some members of the Philippine Volcanoes (most of all Wolfie and Chocoboy. Sino sila? Hehehe) Then we even had a photo with the boy from Hawaii, Keone. And really, they are so different when playing in the field. They call themselves the beasts. But after that game, when everyone is already settled down, it was as if they were transformed into somebody gentler.

Back home, I was still too much overwhelmed to go to sleep. Fortunately, my body was not aching as before. So, while waiting for my eyes to get heavy, I opened my computer and checked my social networking sites. I have a friend invitation from a French boy. So, I accepted him as I always do to everyone. And suddenly he messaged me and told me that he became interested because he saw my Rugby photos. He happens to be related to a former player of Béziers. Actually, his grandfather played for Béziers and all his family played that same game.

I never though Rugby would bring me this far. All I wanted in the beginning was to meet some of the people from the Philippine Team and now, I even got to meet the grandson of an athlete in one of France´s most famous league. He was even surprised to learn that there are actually four teams of rugby existing (the Volcanoes, the Lady Volcanoes, the Tamaraws and the Vipers). Something astounding for a country who is so crazy with basketball.

Now, the encouragement to continue with rugby is not only limited to my fellow Filipinos. Some people from France are encouraging me to go on with it as well. Image, somewhere there at the other side of the earth became happy that a simple someone like me discovered the enjoyment of playing rugby.

Actually, I already have many friends from elsewhere around the globe. But when this boy from France told me how happy he was to know that someone in the Philippines is like me, (someone who enjoys rugby) I felt he was serious. It was as if he found a long lost friend after long years of search.

So, this ends my rugby chronicles. But surely, there will be more experiences with rugby in the future. More fun moments. And more friends. And that is all thanks to you, Rugby...

servido por Sangre sin comentarios compártelo

Rugby Chronicles 4

It has been three weeks since I started this whole Rugby Team. I´d have to admit, my original reason to join these Rugby Trainings is to finish this blog entries and win the contest. However, after all the pains that I have experienced, I have to take this more seriously. What´s to lose, anyway? I have felt all the pains that my body could endure. All that is left is to enjoy the game.

When they told me that the team where I belong lost during the games the Saturday before, I wasn´t in any shock. In fact, I even expected them to lose. After all, they were playing with blokes who have been practicing for more than a year while at the most experienced among us only had 5 days of practice. In fact, if they won that would have surprised me more.

But that was before they told me what really happened. Coach, himself, was too eager to ask who did not play that day. Of course, he knew that majority of us was not there. There were only 7 who went to play the game. And three of them weren´t even there that day. I just know he wanted us to spill it ourselves.

So why did we lose again? As they said, there were only seven people. Meaning, there was no chance to chance for them to take some rest. And with a line-up like that, who would expect them to win?

That was my first lesson of the day. All these time, I never thought they´d expect me to play. I thought they just saw me as someone who´s just playing for the sake of playing (which actually was my first real reason). But on that night, I felt that I did something wrong. And even if I was telling them since the start that I won´t be able to make if last Saturday, it was as if there can never be a reason to justify my absence.

The first lesson of the day : Your team needs you. This case, my team needed my. Actually, aside from it was my first day of class that day, I didn´t want to go because I felt very limited in knowledge. I wasn´t even sure if the way I do things were right. I felt, I´d just put my team is such a bad line-up that we will lose by leaps and bounds.

But even though they didn´t say anything to me directly, I felt it on my shoulder. I placed my team in a more fatal line-up because only 7 of them were left. No one had a chance to rest. So, probably by the second half of the game, everyone was already too tired to continue the fight. I realised, if I was there, I could have given some guys a time to rest so that he can recover his strength and replace me again. So that night, I told myself, I have to take it more seriously.

But enough with the emo stuff. Rugby is always and should always be fun. So there should be some happy moments that day. We did the same routine. And I was even scolded because I could not even follow simple directions. I just found myself listening to everyone because they were trying to explain to me everything that I did not understand. I realised, they really wanted me to learn.

Actually, when I didn´t understand it on the 5th explanation (yes, it took me more than 5 explanations before it got the simple instruction right), they could have told me to stop a while and let others (who comprehend better than me) do the playing. But they didn´t. Everyone waited patiently until I was able to get it. Talk about patience. They really know what that word means.

After the game, back to the usual routine of trying to take some photos of my team mates and some members of the Philippine Volcanoes (most of all Wolfie and Chocoboy. Sino sila? Hehehe) Then we even had a photo with the boy from Hawaii, Keone. And really, they are so different when playing in the field. They call themselves the beasts. But after that game, when everyone is already settled down, it was as if they were transformed into somebody gentler.

Back home, I was still too much overwhelmed to go to sleep. Fortunately, my body was not aching as before. So, while waiting for my eyes to get heavy, I opened my computer and checked my social networking sites. I have a friend invitation from a French boy. So, I accepted him as I always do to everyone. And suddenly he messaged me and told me that he became interested because he saw my Rugby photos. He happens to be related to a former player of Béziers. Actually, his grandfather played for Béziers and all his family played that same game.

I never though Rugby would bring me this far. All I wanted in the beginning was to meet some of the people from the Philippine Team and now, I even got to meet the grandson of an athlete in one of France´s most famous league. He was even surprised to learn that there are actually four teams of rugby existing (the Volcanoes, the Lady Volcanoes, the Tamaraws and the Vipers). Something astounding for a country who is so crazy with basketball.

Now, the encouragement to continue with rugby is not only limited to my fellow Filipinos. Some people from France are encouraging me to go on with it as well. Image, somewhere there at the other side of the earth became happy that a simple someone like me discovered the enjoyment of playing rugby.

Actually, I already have many friends from elsewhere around the globe. But when this boy from France told me how happy he was to know that someone in the Philippines is like me, (someone who enjoys rugby) I felt he was serious. It was as if he found a long lost friend after long years of search.

So, this ends my rugby chronicles. But surely, there will be more experiences with rugby in the future. More fun moments. And more friends. And that is all thanks to you, Rugby...

servido por Sangre 1 comentario compártelo

Rugby Chronicles 4

It has been three weeks since I started this whole Rugby Team. I´d have to admit, my original reason to join these Rugby Trainings is to finish this blog entries and win the contest. However, after all the pains that I have experienced, I have to take this more seriously. What´s to lose, anyway? I have felt all the pains that my body could endure. All that is left is to enjoy the game.

When they told me that the team where I belong lost during the games the Saturday before, I wasn´t in any shock. In fact, I even expected them to lose. After all, they were playing with blokes who have been practicing for more than a year while at the most experienced among us only had 5 days of practice. In fact, if they won that would have surprised me more.

But that was before they told me what really happened. Coach, himself, was too eager to ask who did not play that day. Of course, he knew that majority of us was not there. There were only 7 who went to play the game. And three of them weren´t even there that day. I just know he wanted us to spill it ourselves.

So why did we lose again? As they said, there were only seven people. Meaning, there was no chance to chance for them to take some rest. And with a line-up like that, who would expect them to win?

That was my first lesson of the day. All these time, I never thought they´d expect me to play. I thought they just saw me as someone who´s just playing for the sake of playing (which actually was my first real reason). But on that night, I felt that I did something wrong. And even if I was telling them since the start that I won´t be able to make if last Saturday, it was as if there can never be a reason to justify my absence.

The first lesson of the day : Your team needs you. This case, my team needed my. Actually, aside from it was my first day of class that day, I didn´t want to go because I felt very limited in knowledge. I wasn´t even sure if the way I do things were right. I felt, I´d just put my team is such a bad line-up that we will lose by leaps and bounds.

But even though they didn´t say anything to me directly, I felt it on my shoulder. I placed my team in a more fatal line-up because only 7 of them were left. No one had a chance to rest. So, probably by the second half of the game, everyone was already too tired to continue the fight. I realised, if I was there, I could have given some guys a time to rest so that he can recover his strength and replace me again. So that night, I told myself, I have to take it more seriously.

But enough with the emo stuff. Rugby is always and should always be fun. So there should be some happy moments that day. We did the same routine. And I was even scolded because I could not even follow simple directions. I just found myself listening to everyone because they were trying to explain to me everything that I did not understand. I realised, they really wanted me to learn.

Actually, when I didn´t understand it on the 5th explanation (yes, it took me more than 5 explanations before it got the simple instruction right), they could have told me to stop a while and let others (who comprehend better than me) do the playing. But they didn´t. Everyone waited patiently until I was able to get it. Talk about patience. They really know what that word means.

After the game, back to the usual routine of trying to take some photos of my team mates and some members of the Philippine Volcanoes (most of all Wolfie and Chocoboy. Sino sila? Hehehe) Then we even had a photo with the boy from Hawaii, Keone. And really, they are so different when playing in the field. They call themselves the beasts. But after that game, when everyone is already settled down, it was as if they were transformed into somebody gentler.

Back home, I was still too much overwhelmed to go to sleep. Fortunately, my body was not aching as before. So, while waiting for my eyes to get heavy, I opened my computer and checked my social networking sites. I have a friend invitation from a French boy. So, I accepted him as I always do to everyone. And suddenly he messaged me and told me that he became interested because he saw my Rugby photos. He happens to be related to a former player of Béziers. Actually, his grandfather played for Béziers and all his family played that same game.

I never though Rugby would bring me this far. All I wanted in the beginning was to meet some of the people from the Philippine Team and now, I even got to meet the grandson of an athlete in one of France´s most famous league. He was even surprised to learn that there are actually four teams of rugby existing (the Volcanoes, the Lady Volcanoes, the Tamaraws and the Vipers). Something astounding for a country who is so crazy with basketball.

Now, the encouragement to continue with rugby is not only limited to my fellow Filipinos. Some people from France are encouraging me to go on with it as well. Image, somewhere there at the other side of the earth became happy that a simple someone like me discovered the enjoyment of playing rugby.

Actually, I already have many friends from elsewhere around the globe. But when this boy from France told me how happy he was to know that someone in the Philippines is like me, (someone who enjoys rugby) I felt he was serious. It was as if he found a long lost friend after long years of search.

So, this ends my rugby chronicles. But surely, there will be more experiences with rugby in the future. More fun moments. And more friends. And that is all thanks to you, Rugby...

servido por Sangre sin comentarios compártelo

Rugby Chronicles 4

It has been three weeks since I started this whole Rugby Team. I´d have to admit, my original reason to join these Rugby Trainings is to finish this blog entries and win the contest. However, after all the pains that I have experienced, I have to take this more seriously. What´s to lose, anyway? I have felt all the pains that my body could endure. All that is left is to enjoy the game.

When they told me that the team where I belong lost during the games the Saturday before, I wasn´t in any shock. In fact, I even expected them to lose. After all, they were playing with blokes who have been practicing for more than a year while at the most experienced among us only had 5 days of practice. In fact, if they won that would have surprised me more.

But that was before they told me what really happened. Coach, himself, was too eager to ask who did not play that day. Of course, he knew that majority of us was not there. There were only 7 who went to play the game. And three of them weren´t even there that day. I just know he wanted us to spill it ourselves.

So why did we lose again? As they said, there were only seven people. Meaning, there was no chance to chance for them to take some rest. And with a line-up like that, who would expect them to win?

That was my first lesson of the day. All these time, I never thought they´d expect me to play. I thought they just saw me as someone who´s just playing for the sake of playing (which actually was my first real reason). But on that night, I felt that I did something wrong. And even if I was telling them since the start that I won´t be able to make if last Saturday, it was as if there can never be a reason to justify my absence.

The first lesson of the day : Your team needs you. This case, my team needed my. Actually, aside from it was my first day of class that day, I didn´t want to go because I felt very limited in knowledge. I wasn´t even sure if the way I do things were right. I felt, I´d just put my team is such a bad line-up that we will lose by leaps and bounds.

But even though they didn´t say anything to me directly, I felt it on my shoulder. I placed my team in a more fatal line-up because only 7 of them were left. No one had a chance to rest. So, probably by the second half of the game, everyone was already too tired to continue the fight. I realised, if I was there, I could have given some guys a time to rest so that he can recover his strength and replace me again. So that night, I told myself, I have to take it more seriously.

But enough with the emo stuff. Rugby is always and should always be fun. So there should be some happy moments that day. We did the same routine. And I was even scolded because I could not even follow simple directions. I just found myself listening to everyone because they were trying to explain to me everything that I did not understand. I realised, they really wanted me to learn.

Actually, when I didn´t understand it on the 5th explanation (yes, it took me more than 5 explanations before it got the simple instruction right), they could have told me to stop a while and let others (who comprehend better than me) do the playing. But they didn´t. Everyone waited patiently until I was able to get it. Talk about patience. They really know what that word means.

After the game, back to the usual routine of trying to take some photos of my team mates and some members of the Philippine Volcanoes (most of all Wolfie and Chocoboy. Sino sila? Hehehe) Then we even had a photo with the boy from Hawaii, Keone. And really, they are so different when playing in the field. They call themselves the beasts. But after that game, when everyone is already settled down, it was as if they were transformed into somebody gentler.

Back home, I was still too much overwhelmed to go to sleep. Fortunately, my body was not aching as before. So, while waiting for my eyes to get heavy, I opened my computer and checked my social networking sites. I have a friend invitation from a French boy. So, I accepted him as I always do to everyone. And suddenly he messaged me and told me that he became interested because he saw my Rugby photos. He happens to be related to a former player of Béziers. Actually, his grandfather played for Béziers and all his family played that same game.

I never though Rugby would bring me this far. All I wanted in the beginning was to meet some of the people from the Philippine Team and now, I even got to meet the grandson of an athlete in one of France´s most famous league. He was even surprised to learn that there are actually four teams of rugby existing (the Volcanoes, the Lady Volcanoes, the Tamaraws and the Vipers). Something astounding for a country who is so crazy with basketball.

Now, the encouragement to continue with rugby is not only limited to my fellow Filipinos. Some people from France are encouraging me to go on with it as well. Image, somewhere there at the other side of the earth became happy that a simple someone like me discovered the enjoyment of playing rugby.

Actually, I already have many friends from elsewhere around the globe. But when this boy from France told me how happy he was to know that someone in the Philippines is like me, (someone who enjoys rugby) I felt he was serious. It was as if he found a long lost friend after long years of search.

So, this ends my rugby chronicles. But surely, there will be more experiences with rugby in the future. More fun moments. And more friends. And that is all thanks to you, Rugby...

servido por Sangre sin comentarios compártelo

Rugby Chronicles 3

My second rugby session was really so tiring. I spent the whole Tuesday trying to endure the pain at my legs. Last Monday, I really exerted so much effort that until my legs were really complaining. The pain lasted until Tuesday and still lingered until Wednesday. In fact, I came to Ultra a bit worried. I know that there will be a match on Saturday (13 August 2011). Meaning, practices will be more tedious this time. And even if I won´t be playing, I will have to play at that level so that my team mates will be prepared.

Some of the members of the Philippine Volcanoes and the Lady Volcanoes while they were doing their warm-up.

To my surprise, the coach Alo did not give us the usual warm-ups. Actually, I wasn´t sure if I´d be thankful or worried that we didn´t do such. There were some drills but they weren´t as extensive as what we did before. To my surprise, some passing drills and running were able to satisfy coach. I even realised it was a bit "bitin" when we´re done with the drills.

After a short water break, we were gathered to our respective groups and were given some instructions on how were we going to play that night. It seemed like the surprises were never ending that day. We we´re to play with the Lady Volcanoes. I knew they were girls. But I was so sure that they are no ordinary girls. I´ve always admired girls like that. In fact, some of the greatest athletes in my list are Bea Lucero and Gretchen Malalad. Tough girls.

So, the match began. And it was just like a test joke of the fates; the team where I belong (fondly called "TIMBOG") didn´t have enough players that day. I already clarified that I wouldn´t be able to play on Saturday so, I´d rather let those who would be joining the match to have that exposure. But the truth is I didn´t have to. We were only 5. And if you´d include Jomari, that would be 6. Luckily, there were four new people. Two of them have already been playing rugby in their schools. So, we were complete. And at last, the game can really really begin.

As what I did expect, the Lady Volcanoes weren´t an easy opponent. First of all, they had tactics. They we´re talking with each other. I´ve always heard coach tell us to talk with each other. As for me, it took me three practices before I learned to ask for the ball in a loud voice.

Unfortunately, that is just half of the skill that I need to learn. I don´t listen to my team mates. When I was in crisis, all I did was to pass the ball to the nearest opponent, not even thinking if he was in a good position or not. If you´d ask me, I´d say that I gave him a death sentence. The moment he received the ball, all the girls were with him and he neither had the chance nor the assistance to defend the ball. It was such a horrible sight that I did. Deep inside of me, I knew I did something really wrong. Something I wouldn´t like to repeat in an actual match. So, I told myself, I needed to learn how to listen.

Clearly, I´m a very talkative person. I can´t even imagine myself in a silent environment for an hour. And even if the doctor advises me to shut my mouth to preserve my voice, I can´t. That night, I realised what my lack of listening skill could bring us to. I could break the team because I don´t listen. The speaking part, I could learn that in an instant. I was just a bit shy during the first two sessions so, I refused to speak. But refusing to listen is actually as fatal as refusing to speak. These two skills need to go hand in hand.

Well, enough of the listening-speaking problem. The game went on. And every time that someone was "touched", the game literally paused to wait for formation. Then somebody gets the ball and passes it as if no one really cares. For me, it was just normal. We´re all in the "beginning" stage. So, I thought it was just expected that we do than and no one breaks the unspoken rule.

But then, it was my time to get the ball. I was waiting for my team mates to make their formation (which actually took sometime). Then all of a sudden, the girl who was in front of me threw the bridge. And he literally flew like a sheet of paper in the air. And if I was shocked that it happened, I am certain that he was more shocked than I was. After all, it was him who was thrown.

And that was another lesson. We were actually preparing for a game on Saturday. That should have meant that we played the game as if it was an actual match. Really, we played it expecting that they´d understand us. We were beginners and we don´t know the rules as they do. But then, it changed after that simple incident. We can´t expect that anytime. During the match, we cannot reason out. We can´t say, ‘Please bear with us. We´re beginners'. They´d just crash us to the ground without mercy. After all, this is a game. It is important to win. And if your opponent doesn´t know much about the game, it is your advantage.

Then finally, the games rotated. It was time for the Lady Volcanoes to get some rest and we´re to face the developmental team. I´d say they are a better match to us because like us, there are still learning the game. And even if they have been training a little bit longer than us, the gap isn´t actually that big.

The game was nicer, if you´d ask me. Since we´re both still learning the game, we played it as we both expected it (with some pauses to give each other time to do the formation). It was a smoother game. But nothing is so good that it lasts eternally. As I have said above, two of the new members of the team are already playing rugby in their schools. And he asserted that we didn´t violate anything and the other group has to get their rules right. I couldn´t argue. I didn´t know what was correct (after three days of training, imagine that). But at the end, everyone we´re good sport. So, it didn´t burn up to a heated debate.

Andrew Wolfe, me and Eric Tai after the practices.

Well, that day didn´t actually end badly. After the practices, I was able to meet Eric Tai and asked if I could have a photo with him. I didn´t have to ask twice. He was actually so nice. It was even him who called for Andrew Wolfe to have a photo with me. And even if it sounds like a cliché already, they were both so nice.

After that photo session, I presented myself to Eric Tai saying that I´m the "nasugbubatangas" who sends him a message via Twitter. I was actually encouraging him to learn more Tagalog. And I never knew how serious he was until that day. He was actually speaking the language at a more advanced rate than I am expecting. And that simple conversation even game me more encouragement to continue learning rugby.

And not to mention, it made me love my country more. I´d say I´m nationalistic. In fact, more nationalistic than many of my friends. But hearing someone who grew up elsewhere learning my language makes me love my country more. This time, Rugby is more than a game. It is a game that the Philippine Volcanoes play in order to show the world that somewhere in the Orient shine the talents of the Filipinos.

So, for the third session, it was more friends and more Filipino pride. And hey, I did´t feel much pain. I think my body is already adopting.

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Rugby Chronicles 2

So, I survived the first day of Rugby. Fortunately I got home without a nail broken. Though I felt some aches in my legs, thank Gos it was not enough to make me bed-ridden the following day. I realised, taking real long walks from the house to the main road really practiced my legs to endure a certain level of pain.

So needless to say, I was really excited to join the practices that following Wednesday (03Aug2011) but the rain prevented us all. So, I had to wait until the following Monday. I promised myself I´ll really be prepared. At least, I thought I was.

Okay. So came Monday. I even arrived a bit earlier to see the children playing football on the same field. And then, they called for us to play touch ball. And remember, i said in my first entry that I didn´t have a chance to to play that particular kind of rugby. I was introduced to Tug Ball right away. So what happened to me? I felt like I was so useless on that field. Yes, I was running and trying to touch anyone who has the ball. But since I didn´t really know the rules, I felt stupid. I even thought it was better for me to just sit somewhere and wait until it´s over.

But it seemed like my heart is not following what my mind wanted me to do. I had to stay, said my heart. I didn´t go there to sit down and watch, in the first place. I realised, I´d figure out the rules along the way. After all, I know they expected that I didn´t know anything (of course I didn´t know anything. I´m for RUGBY 101).

It seemed like forever and I prayed that I would end already so I can ask someone how this game is actually played. Then, we heard the whistle. Everyone was running to the water station. And after I drank, I realised that they were running back to the field (these things really happen so fast, I didn´t have the time to think). Then and just when I was able to compose myself, everyone was on the ground doing the warm-ups.

My new friends (from the left) Rafael & Enzo with Coach Alo and me.

The starters were easy. Those were just the usual that everyone does. so, if anyone can do it, why can´t I? I´m a true blue "probinsiyano" after all. I´m supposed to be able to endure these tedious body challenges. I felt I was enduring it. But then, coach began with the tugging drills and that part when I´m supposed to carry my partner. I knew I was not doing well anymore. First, I didn´t feel that I have the strength to carry my partner. Second, I didn´t feel I had the energy anyome.

And if that wasn´t hard enough, Coach yelled out for us to stand, divide ourselves into our respective teams and begin the jog-sprint drills. The first three laps was just fine. But then, it seemed like another forever. I wasn´t able to count how many laps we were doing anymore. And my legs began to really hurt, not to mention that my breathing became really loud. I was so sure I never had asthma when I was younger but that particular moment, I was beginning to doubt it.

So the real game began. It did not rain like the first day but the mud was still there. Good thing I learned. I was then wearing black instead of white. (unfortunately, everyone thought of the same thing. so most of us wore black) The ground was still muddy becuase of some drizzles. That meant I there would be mud on my shirt still.

But then, like rugby itself, the trainig gave me surprises every minute. I just learnt that there will be a match on Saturday and that there will only be that day and Wednesday to practice. This was a serious match then. Good thing we were more than seven. I, myself, won´t be able to come because it will be my first day of class. Then, we had something funny to do. We (that is me and the two others who we´re first timers) became the dummy players. We just touch them and disappear from the scene. (that should be easy.  )

But then, these new acquaintances were really serious. I felt that they really wanted to play. So, I felt a bit ashamed that I was just standing there and looking at them. Now, I had to play. And physically, that was the most serious pain I had to endure in my history of participating in any sports game. And so, I can´t wait till Wednesday.

But we can´t end a session without a lesson learned. I really felt challenged that day. My new friends were serious even if they knew they weren´t able to play that Saturday. Why didn´t I? The lesson, play as if it was your last. Beacuse who knows, it might be your last. And you will regret forever that you didn´t play a hundred percent in your last game.

My new Rugby friends Rafael & Enzo.

And one thing more. This session was important as well. This was when I first met my Rugby Friends. I´m actually not the first person to present myself to anyone. That is why I wanted to participate into group sports. And I got my reward. A reminder that rugby made me know more people. And it will continue to make me meet more people.

So, let´s save the next stories for the next post. And by the way, I still didn´t get how the scores was made by the end of this session. That means I can´t quit yet.

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