Well-deserved rest for triumphant divers

HANOI, Vietnam (Via Globe Telecom) — On the intercession of commissioner Leon Montemayor, the divers will be allowed to go home to their families in Davao City to spend the holidays.

It’s a big respite for the six divers, all from Davao and trained under the watchful eye of Montemayor, who won two golds and one silver in the diving competitions.

The story of the six Davao divers is the typical success story of boys of humble origin who made good.

Montemayor said their saga, particularly that of Rexel Rhyan Fabriga, who reached the top in the Southeast Asia from a seaport worker and diver from the bridge in Davao, is one that similarly-situated Filipino boys and girls could follow.

"Talagang pobreng-pobre ang mga batang ito. Pati allowances nila pinapadala nila sa pamilya nila para makatulong," said Montemayor.

Their passion for excellence, at such a tender age, was as intense as their desire to alleviate the economic condition of their famiies. It was only a matter of time before they became the best there is in the sport.

"Gagamitin ko po ang pera para ipagawa ko ang bahay namin," said Fabriga, referring to the incentives of P150,000 he will bring home for winning the individual event in the 10m platform diving and the event in synchronized diving in partnership with Jaime Asok.

"I’m sure (Davao City) Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Congressman Vincent Garcia will have a surprise for them," said Montemayor.

Merry Mix Up

Organizers had to apologize when they raised the Singaporean flag instead of the Philippine flag during the awarding ceremonies for Filpino judo athletes. The Singaporean billiards team was also disappointed when the hosts mistakenly hoisted the Philippine flag as players came up to receive the medals.

Vietnamese Celebrate

Thousands of Vietnamese fans waved huge flags, shouted and beat empty cans as they took to the streets to celebrate Vietnam’s 4-3 win over Malaysia. The victory sent the Vietnamese to the finals in women’s football.

The Philippines did not send a men’s team. The women’s team failed to reach the semifinals after two draws and a loss.

Don’t Get Mixed Up

Fidel Gallenero is the decathlete, while his younger brother Dandy is the javelin thrower. Danilo Fresnido is the javelin thrower — the champion yesterday, while his younger brother Robert is the decathlete.

Reporters could not tell which is which when the two Galleneros and Fresnidos shared the same tent, because at one point during the Games yesterday afternoon, Danilo Fresnido and Dandy Gallenero, who were competing in the javelin, shared the tent with Fidel Gallenero and Roberto Fresnido, who were competing in the long jump of the decathlon.