“Dismayed but can’t do anything.”
This is the sentiment of Philippine wakeboarding team member Raphael Trinidad after his training momentum was pre-empted by the re-imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in several parts of the country.
The world number two cable wakeboarder is now in Laguna, which was included in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble and placed under ECQ due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Despite the suspension of his regular training, the Cebu native wakeboarder remains optimistic that vigor in the world of sports will come back.
“Nandoon na ‘yong flow eh. Tuloy-tuloy na dapat pero biglang — ayon. Hindi mo talaga expected. Hindi mo talaga malalaman. Kaya from those past na nangyayari na nag-close at ‘di makaka-wakeboard, noong bumalik ulit ‘yong part noon, sabi ko susulitin ko na kasi you’ll never know,” he said.
[The flow was there. It was supposed to go on, but then suddenly — there. It wasn’t really expected. There is really no way of knowing. That’s why from past experiences when it closed and there was no wakeboarding, I really made up for it when the opportunity returned, because you’ll never know.]
“As of this time, everything is uncertain. Pero ako [But for me], I am just looking at the bright side. I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and doon lang ako nakatingin [that’s where I have set my sights],” Trinidad added.
Before ECQ was announced, Trinidad was preparing hard for the 2021 WWF Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate World Championships, which is considered the most prestigious competition in the sport of wakeboarding.
“As of now, everything is uncertain, although wala pa namang balita sa World Championships na, so we’re hoping na matuloy pa rin ‘yon [there is still no news from the World Championships, so we’re hoping that it will push through],” he said.
“And my target for the world competition? Of course, gold. I really want to bring the Philippines with me on my journey. I know kayang-kaya nating mga Pinoy [we Filipinos can do it],” Trinidad enthused.
If it materializes, the 2021 WWF Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate World Championships will be held in Thailand in November. – Report by Mae Ann Fajardo/JBB-jlo
