Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
Dear readers, Since it’s the month of Holy week, I want to reflect on the 7 deadly sins that most Catholics and Christians take for granted. It is almost the opposite of the 7 Catholic virtues which are chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility. Growing up and to these days, I always practice some of these virtues, [...]
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Page added on March 21, 2019

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Meet first-ever PH bobsled team

CALGARY, Alberta – Four members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are members of the country’s first-ever bobsled team that has been winning not only the hearts of kababayans everywhere but other communities as well.

The team composed of Jeffrey dela Cruz, Rolando “Sid” Isidro, Joseph Acosta, and Jerby Deriada has made Calgary their base to train for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

“Nakakapanibago talaga lalo na dito sa Canada, napakalamig, napakanipis ng hangin, kaya nag-aadjust lang ang katawan,” said Acosta, bobsled brakeman.

Bobsled driver Isidro was hesitant to join at first.

“Noong unang sakay ko sa bobsled, iniisip ko kung kaya ko ba ito kasi parang sumakay ka ng rollercoaster, nakakatakot na iyon. Pagdating ko sa bobsled mas nakakatakot pala kasi iba iyung may tinatawag sila na g-force. Ang g-force niya ay four to five g-force,” he said.

Team founder Buddy Cunanan said he was inspired by the movie “Cool Runnings,” about the first Jamaican bobsled team that participated in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

It took years, but now the dream is a reality.

“I thought if the Jamaicans can do it, why not the Philippines? And so since 1998, since the movie came out in the ’90s, we’ve been thinking about it but it’s only the last two three years that it became a reality,” said Cunanan.

The team initially trained in Austria, but sought a more feasible base where English is spoken and with Filipinos around to support them.

Hence, the move to Calgary.

Since their move, they also got great help from the Alberta Bobsled Association.

“These four guys, coming out in the weather this February, it has been fantastic. They are really determined, they are focused, its’ great,” said Sarah Monk.

The only way they can thank the countless others who lend their support is to give it their best to make the country proud.

“Manalo, matalo basta ipinakita namin sa kababayan natin na lumaban kami at nag-improve ang Pilipinas sa larangan ng bobsled,” said Isidro.

The team made history by winning third place and being the first Southeast Asian country to race at the Alberta Bobsleigh Association Provincial Championship last March 2, earning accolades and praises from sports organizers, spectators and fellow Filipinos.

With this victory and getting a lot of support from kababayans, the team is more hopeful that they will be able to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.