HOW SPORTS CAN BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON A STUDENT'S FUTURE

BEA MAXIMO: MY FIRST TRI

(click to enlarge)

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on March 27, 2012 Thursday issue
by Bea Maximo, Contributor
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

Swim, bike and run to the finish line. Last Sunday, I witnessed the very first triathlon held in Talisay. The race was one of the highlights of Talisay's commemoration of the American troops’ landing in the city. It consisted of a 1,000-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike and 7.5K run. There was also a mixed relay division for the adults, while the kids division had a 300m swim, 8K bike and 3K run.

As a spectator, you get all worked up and root for your favorites, screaming at the sidelines saying “dali, dali! kaya na nimo maapsan na ka!”, as one participant shouted back “dili lalim uy!” I then realized the determination and discipline every athlete had to possess for them to be able to surpass the gruelling swim, the exhausting bike ride and the draining run to the finish line was definitely not a walk in the park.

One does not go out into the battlefield unarmed and expect to emerge victorious that is why I salute every person who wore a tri suite that day because the mere fact that they had the courage to step up and achieve what the next person simply dreams of doing is just very inspirational.

Some people dream of success while others wake up and achieve it. Hats off to all the finishers of the First Talisay Triathlon, however in a race, winners must be crowned.

The author (C) with her siblings Luis Miguel (R) and Ana Patricia Maximo

I would like to quote Orison Swett Marden, “We fail to see that we can control our own destiny; make ourselves do whatever is possible; make ourselves become whatever we long to be”. These renowned beings controlled their own destiny and fought hard to garner a place in their division.

(Editor's note: The contributor is a 20-year-old Cebuana presently taking up Occupation Therapy in University of Sto. Tomas (UST). A football varsity player and a half-marathon finisher of Whidbey Island Marathon in Washington, USA and Cebu City Marathon, she came all the way from Manila to cheer for her siblings on their very first on-road triathlon race.)

BEA MAXIMO: A SALUTE TO TALISAY TRIATHLON FINISHERS

(click to enlarge)

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on March 27, 2012 Tuesday issue
by Bea Maximo, Contributor
Mike T. Limpag & Marian C. Baring, Editors

SWIM, bike and run to the finish line! Last March 25, 2012, I witnessed the very first triathlon held in Talisay. This race was one of the highlights of the City’s commemoration of the American troops’ landing in the city. It consisted of a 1,000-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike, 7.5K run and a mixed relay division for the adults, while the kids’ division had a 300-meter swim, 8-kilometer bike and 3-kilometer run.

As a spectator in these events, you get all worked up and root for your favorites, screaming at the sidelines saying, “Dali, dali! Kaya na nimo maapsan na ka!”

As one participant shouted back, “Dili lalim oy!” I then realized the determination and discipline every athlete had to possess for them to be able to surpass the grueling swim, the exhausting bike ride and the draining run to the finish line. It was definitely not a walk in the park.

One does not go out into the battlefield unarmed and expect to emerge victorious, that is why I salute every person who wore a tri suite that day because the mere fact that they had the courage to step up and achieve what the next person simply dreams of doing is just very inspirational.

Some people dream of success while others wake up and achieve it! Hats off to all the finishers of the First Talisay Triathlon, however in a race, winners must be crowned.

ALL IN THE FAMILY.  The author (center) with brother Luis Miguel and sister Ana Patricia.  Luis won the 19-under division, while Ana topped the 13-14 agegroup.

I would like to quote Orison Swett Marden: “We fail to see that we can control our own destiny; make ourselves do whatever is possible; make ourselves become whatever we long to be.” These renowned beings controlled their own destiny and fought hard to garner a place in their division.

(The author is a 20-year old Cebuana taking up Occupation Therapy in UST. A football varsity player and a runner, she came to all the way from Manila to cheer for her siblings on their very first on-road Triathlon race.)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 27, 2012.

WHEN LIFE HITS YOU HARD, HIT BACK HARDER

Click to enlarge

Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Jan. 14, 2011 Friday issue
by Bea Maximo, Contributor
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

LAST semestral break, the University of Santo Tomas’s (UST) women’s football team was preparing for the UAAP season. We had to wake up at 5 a.m. to train and we also had a 4 p.m. training session. It definitely took much effort to get out of bed and give it our all during the training.

I was still recovering from my previous injury on my left knee. My medial collateral ligament (MCL) had baby tears and I was receiving treatment from the Apolinario Mabini Rehabilitation Center in the UST Hospital. I had to endure the pain for I knew I needed to fight for a spot in the UAAP lineup. Unfortunately, despite the effort I’d put into training and everything else, it was just not meant to be. I collided with one of my teammates during one of our practice games and I felt my knee popped twice and I could not walk for two days.

After seeing Dr. De Leon and Dr. Molano, the two doctors who oversee the UST athletes, I had to call my parents to inform them that I had to have surgery on my left knee.

I completely tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), had a bucket-handle tear on my meniscus and strained my posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the recovery time would take about six to eight long months. This was a nightmare for me. Being an athlete is who I am and is what defines me. Just because of one wrong move, everything I’ve worked hard for, meant nothing.

Before I got injured, I was not only getting physically fit for the UAAP season, but also, one of my goals lined up, was to join the 2011 Cebu City Marathon and the other upcoming road races.

Change of plans

But due to the unpleasant incident, I had to set these goals aside and change my plans. The pain after the surgery was just unbearable. I was vomiting and had a terrible headache caused by the anaesthesia and I had to go around using crutches for more than a month. The doctors told me that I had to be careful from now on because my injury could reoccur, and this caused me to think, and at some point, wanted to quit at being an athlete all together. Because the very thought of me getting injured again was too much to handle.

On the other hand, being injured made me realize so many things and helped me view the world and the people around me differently.

I looked at the positive side of what happened to me. One of the advantages of being an athlete of UST was that they took care of the expenses: the operation, rehabilitation, the doctor’s fees and even the medications. The athletic administration and my coaches were very supportive and took good care of me while I was in the hospital.

And up to now, despite the pressure and the busy training schedule, they take time to check up on me and get updates on my condition. My teammates and friends help me get around the school. And although my family is far away from me, they constantly call and give words of encouragement to get me through the day and deal with the stress that life throws at me. These definitely were some of the factors that pushed me to pick myself up from the floor and continue.

Being an athlete is not just all about fun and games. It takes discipline, hard work, passion and the will to succeed no matter what. Failure will always be in the package of becoming an athlete and injury is too. As Emily Post once said “If you are hurt, whether in mind or body, don’t nurse your bruises. Get up and light-heartedly, courageously, good temperedly get ready for the next encounter.

This is the only way to take life—this is also “playing” the game.

NOT BUCKLING DOWN.  The author (below) failed to join this year's Cebu City Marathon because of an injury.  Last year, Bea Maximo (above, left) ran with Jaymie "The Bull Runner" Pizarro in the 21K.  Pizarro got 13th place, while Maximo was No. 16.

Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Jan. 14, 2011 Friday issue

A DAD FOR ALL SPORTS

MAXI MAXIMO: A DAD FOR ALL SPORTS

Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on June 20, 2010 Sunday issue
by Mars G. Alison, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

It is easy to assume that an athlete could cope better if his family is also into sports.

Certainly an advantage, but also very challenging, according to Jonathan “Maxi” Maximo.

Maxi, 43, is not only a former varsity member of the University of San Carlos (USC) football team, but also sat as the chairman of the Cebu Football Association (CFA) for one term, which spanned four years.

To say that he influenced his three children to get into sports is an understatement. For this athletic dad is his children’s inspiration.

As a father, Maxi said it is a challenge to let your children play whatever sport they want especially when you are an athlete yourself.

“Somehow, as a father, you will always have an influence in their choice of sports because kids normally follow their dads but eventually they will find what they love so you have to let your children experience other sports. Bottom line is you give them your full support,” Maxi said.

This is why Maxi had no complaints when Igi shifted to biking and even accompanied his son to training and competitions.

“The feeling is different when you are in the background but I enjoy the moment and do not mind all the preparations. I get to travel, learn new things and meet other parents,” he said.

SPORTS AND LIFE

Maxi has always loved sports and competition so he encouraged his family to be sports oriented.

His wife Sheila, 44, also used to play soccer baseball for St. Theresa's College (STC) during her high school days.

“My children are so blessed to have him as a father because di jud sila ma-ing-ana if it weren't for him. He is a very good motivator. He brings out the best in them,” she said.

She added that Maxi has asked her to call his attention whenever she feels he’s pushing their children too much. Because for Maxi, life is a huge sports arena where challenges lurk in every nook and corner.

“It is better that they lose in a tournament rather than in life,” he would say.

But as much as he wants his children to excel in sports, Maxi said he’d rather want them to prioritize their education.

“There is no compromise in that, studies come first. They know that they should be a good student first before becoming a good athlete. They can always go back to sports after their studies,” Maxi said.

MESSAGES

For this special day for fathers, Maxi's kids want their dad to know how grateful they are to have him as their father.

His eldest daughter Ina, 18, is a football varsity of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, where she is taking up Occupational Therapy.

“Dad, words cannot express how grateful I am to call you my dad. Like a pot, I started out as a clay, lifeless and sloppy. Then just like the pot maker, you gathered me up and molded me, shaped me and tried to perfect my imperfections. You exposed me to the fire so that I may be strong and durable enough to stand the cruelty of the world alone. As I went through the gruelling process of becoming a pot you were always there. Your hands guiding me and ever ready to catch me if I fall. You have done a wonderful job in raising me, Igi and Ica and a great husband to mom as well. I want you to know that everything I do and achieve is for you and mom:) I love you so much. Thank you for being my dad. Happy father's day!” …Ina

FROM FOOTBALL TO CYCLING

His only son Igi, 15, has shifted from playing football for Paref Springdale since first grade to cycling, wherein this early, he is already a back-to-back junior champion in the 2010 Philippine Premiere Cycling League (PPCL).

“Dad, first of all, happy Father's Day! Thank you for your support in everything I do. Because of you I have achieved so much at such a young age. One particular aspect is what we have accomplished with my cycling. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be where I am today. I believe it is because of you that I am able to pedal harder and stronger than I ever thought I could. Dad, I love you just the way you are. Having you as my dad is the best thing that ever happened to me. Thank you and I love you!...Igi

STAR TRIATHLETE IN THE MAKING

Maxi's youngest daughter Ica, 10, may not be into any competitive sports yet but she has expressed interest in triathlon while she practices running, biking and swimming.

“Hi dad, happy Father's Day! You've done so many things to me and our family. Dad, you are a great dad to me. And you were always there for me. Like when I'm down, you cheer me up. When I'm having trouble with my homework, you help me get the correct answer. Thanks for being great, I love you and happy Father's Day!...Ica

BEA MAXIMO: I WANTED TO SHOW THEM I CAN DO IT

Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Jan. 11, 2010 Monday issue
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu

RUSH. The author on her way to finishing

at No. 16 among 73 runners.

By Bea Maximo
Contributor

“Before we experience victory every part of us wants to quit.”

This short statement summarizes my Cebu City Half-Marathon 2010 experience.

As I ran my first half marathon I had mixed emotions. I felt cold, nauseated, irritated and uneasy.

As soon as we arrived in I.T Park the wind sent chills down my spine as I heard the announcer call the attention of the 21k runners to start assembling.

I tried warming up but it felt useless for my feet were slowly feeling numb as I anxiously waited for the clock to read 5:10.

It read 4:30... 4:45... and I started to sweat as I stood beside elite athletes feeling the rush and the anxiety.

At 5 a.m., I desperately wanted to start running and thought “ I wanna get this over with”.

At 5:10 a.m., my heart started leaping as I heard the gun shot.

Thump...thump...thump...lub-dub...lub-dub.

The sound of my feet and my heart beat formed a rhythm.

I listened to my body and picked up my pace for the first few kilometers. I smiled at the crowd who were shouting words of encouragement boosting my energy and the dancers who filled the quiet streets with music and color.

Endless road.

This went on for miles and miles of what felt like an endless road to nowhere.

Soon my feet were giving up, I started having stomach cramps; at some point I wanted to stop, thinking “Why am I making myself suffer? No one asked me to do this. I made the decision”

But as I continued to push myself and finally arrived at the finish line I heard my mom and my sister, Ica, cheer my name and then I remembered why I entered the race.

I wanted to make my family proud. I wanted to show them I can do it. A different kind of rush filled my body as I crossed the finish line.

A feeling that no one can take away from me, the feeling of victory.

BEA MAXIMO: I WANTED TO SHOW THEM I CAN DO IT