Aga and sons; Eddie's appeal

The sense of achievement one gets in accomplishing anything – whether in business, academics, the arts, sports or in other fields – is always a good feeling. 

Finishing the marathon or achieving the universal goal of slimming down after hard work, gives one increased confidence. Any act of self-abnegation and self-sacrifice as we struggle to fight the temptation to give up and take the easy way out gives us the resolve to achieve greater things.

I therefore completely understood what our good old childhood friend, Antonio (Tony or Atty. AGA) Goquiolay Arellano went through when he (justifiably) raved, during one reunion of La Salle buddies, of his and his son, Gelo’s accomplishments in sports and wellness.

Tony told me that “funny how only about a year ago I was struggling to lose weight and now I have to gain a few pounds back as advised by my nutritionist.” A year ago Tony, 5’6” and around 180 pounds, was simply continuing what he had been doing for many years: lawyering for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and maintaining a weekly column in a tabloid and a radio program that had him commenting on the day’s hottest issues, providing free legal advice on the air and rendering, in general, public service.

Tony, 63, of course has grown up kids and grandchildren whom he bonds with at least once a week, usually on Sundays. As Tony narrated it, “Every Sunday during our family lunches, all my kids had various triathlon experiences to narrate. I have three children into triathlon: Gelo, 39; Pau, 34 and Drew, 31. Honestly, I got fed up listening to them and I felt somewhat out of place since I could not relate. Then, finally, I secretly started walking for about 30 minutes, three times a week which eventually turned into run-walks almost every day simply because I was getting addicted to it. I started to understand why people are into fitness these days. The adrenalin rush and endorphins one get during exercise is simply priceless. It is true what they say that if only people get into sports, any kind of physical activity, the world would be a much better place.”

As our conversation continued, Tony said, “Recently, my eldest son, Gelo, completed in the popular Tokyo Marathon which had a field of 32,000 runners. Participants get slots in the marathon through a lottery – this year, only 10% of those who applied, got accepted. The 42- kilomter route takes you through the streets of Tokyo. You pass through several of Tokyo’s main tourist spots, including the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and Ginza. Gelo finished the race in 3:46:28 (his personal best and 40 minutes faster than his last race). Among the other Filipinos who ran with him was champion executive cyclist Eric Carandang, who finished his first marathon at 3:53:43.”

Like any father, Tony expressed pride at Gelo “especially knowing that Gelo dedicated his run to raise funds for the Manila Waldorf School where my grandchildren are studying. He is very much thankful not only for the glorious experience of competing internationally but also grateful that he was supported by Mr. Ramon Ang or RSA, chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation, and a true patron of sports in the country, and Atty. Amboy Formoso who played a key role in the approval of the San Miguel sponsorship.”

Not content with his run-walks, Tony says that “someday, I envision myself joining a full marathon but for now, I take fulfillment living my dreams through the eyes of my children. Today, it is not anymore about losing weight (although that in itself is a worthy objective) but maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle to enjoy the fruits of my labor and embrace what life has to offer. I also keep in mind that 60 is the new 50!”

Tony or AGA’s experience is being replicated all over the world but we still need more people to really live out a lifetime commitment to sports, recreation and wellness as part of our total national development. Tony’s experience and the work done by institutions like Foundation University in Dumaguete should inspire us to engage in some kind of physical activity as part of our weekly routine.

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Veteran sportswriter Eddie Alinea asks for prayers for his son Wendell Rupert who’s suffering from the very rare Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Since September 2007, when he was diagnosed with APL, Wendell had undergone three cycles of chemotherapy and finished his two-year maintenance therapy in December 2010. Eddie and his wife Annie were so relieved that his expensive medications were finally over and excited for him to start 2011 with a new beginning. But his APL is back. Eddie needs all kind of support, especially prayers, from his friends in sports and anyone who wishes to help.