Aui Padawan shows the form that netted him the 18th BTA Sinulog Open title last January at the Gaisano Bowlingplex in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)
Vivian Padawan can still vividly remember how the sound of a bowling ball landing on the wooden lane and crashing through the pins would scare off her son Aui.
For Vivian, it was a heart-breaking sight seeing her terrified son scamper, but there was no doubt in her mind that a day would come that Aui would become one of the most-feared individual in a place he used to be panicky.
Last January, Vivian’s aspirations became a reality when Aui, now 23 years old, clinched the prestigious Masters’ event title of the 18th edition of the Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA) Sinulog National Open at the Gaisano Bowlingplex in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.
In a splendid display of accuracy, Aui racked up 2,168 pinfalls to humble elite bowlers from Manila and other parts of the country.
For winning the most-coveted crown that went with the P60,000 top purse, Aui couldn’t thank her mom, Vivian and late father, Mauricio.
“I started playing bowling when I was 10 years old. My mom and dad always brought me whenever they play bowling,” Aui said. “At that time, it was like I was just playing did not know the proper way of throwing the ball.”
Guided by dad
Vivian said it was Mauricio, known as Dodong to close acquaintances, who influenced Aui to take the sport.
“He was the one who taught how to throw the ball properly when he was still a little boy,” said the 68-year-old Vivian, a regular fixture in bowling tournaments after having been in the sport for the past 52 years.
The Padawans are originally from Zamboanga. Vivian and her family relocated to Cebu. Born in Cebu, Aui is the youngest of four broods.
Aui said he started to fall in love with the sport after watching his parents getting excited whenever they score strikes. Then the day came when it was his parents’ turn to cheer him on.
“I started competing when I was 15. Mom and dad were always there to watch me or play with me whenever there’s a tournament in Cebu or in other places,” said Aui.
Aui, however, emphasized that whatever he achieved as a bowler was not all about skills. It needed divine intervention too.
Strong faith
Last December, Vivian and Aui went on a two-week pilgrimage in Jerusalem where they visited holy sites. There, Aui prayed hard and asked for guidance from above heading into the Sinulog Open tournament.
“I also prayed and asked my dad to guide me during the competition. Actually, me and mom make it a point to visit his grave prior to competing,” said Aui.
Mauricio passed away in 2011 due to liver disease.
To show his love to his father, Aui persevered and worked hard to become a better bowler.
Three months after his father’s demise, Aui completed a magnificent feat when he dominated the Cebu leg of the National Bowling Tour.
“That was the most special win for me because my father had just died that time and I really vowed to win the title and dedicate it to him. Thank God I made it,” said Aui.
Last year, Aui was recognized by Team PRIMA in Manila after scoring a perfect 300 in Karambowling competition organized by BTA.
Aui with his mom, Vivian. (CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)
“Some people see bowling just a game for fun. What they don’t realize it needs a lot of technicalities and especially focus to knock those pins down. Bowling needs extra patience because it needs a lot of time to learn and master the techniques,” said Aui.
Ultimate goal
Aui’s ultimate goal is to represent the country in international competitions.
He was able to play in an international tournament in Singapore in 2013 but not as national team member.
Aui faltered in two qualifying tournaments.
His first try was unsuccessful as he was forced to skip the remaining games due to conflict with his studies. A sub-par performance in his second attempt also quashed his hopes of donning the national colors.
Aui said he won’t give up his dream of making it to the national team but his win in the Sinulog Cup will be his last competition for the mean time as he will focus first on his studies.
Aui is set to graduate this October as a computer engineering student at the University of San Carlos.
After graduation, Aui is planning to stay in Manila for a while to compete in qualifying tournaments for the national team.
“It’s my ultimate goal so I will not stop pursuing this dream to represent the country. I know I am nearing to reach that goal so I will not stop,” added Aui. “My mom may not agree with my decision but I believe that she will support me on this,” he said.
Aui may be missing some tournaments for now, but expect a better version of himself once he starts toppling those pins again.