Nat’l bowling team member Jomar Jumapao takes his shot during the 19th BTA-Cebu Sinulog Open National Tournament last Tuesday at the Gaisano Bowlingplex in Banilad, Cebu City.
Sinulog Open
National team members Kevin Oliver Cu, Kenzo Umali and Cebu’s Jomar Jumapao are among the noted bowlers competing in the 19th Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA)- Cebu Sinulog Open National Tournament, which started Tuesday evening at the Gaisano Bowlingplex in Banilad, Cebu City.
But even the Philippine Team members feel challenged when playing in this annual bowling tournament held in line with the celebration of Cebu’s Sinulog Festival.
“Even though I’m part of the national team, this competition’s challenges are still difficult because there are other national team members and national youth players who joined,” said the 25-year-old Cu.
This is not the first time that Cu played in Cebu. Back in 2008, he was crowned champion in the Nature Spring & CIFYA Anniversary Classic champion also held at the Bowlingplex.
Last year, he participated in the Sinulog Open but was not able to qualify for the finals. But he said he will do his best to win this year’s Sinulog Open.
“I won’t let my guard down and will still give my best,” he said.
Jumapao, meanwhile, expressed his excitement in being able to play again in Cebu.
“It has been a while since I played in my hometown and I feel very excited to be playing here once again,” said the 27-year-old Jumapao, who has been a part of the national team for four years now.
He became a hall of famer in Cebu after being crowned Sinulog Open Masters champion in 2010.
‘Do my best’
The defending champion of the tournament is 23-year-old Aui Padawan.
Padawan said he wasn’t able to prepare well since he is coming off a busy schedule prior to the Sinulog Open. He tried out for the national team in Manila early this month and then proceeded to compete for the 12th Henrich Open last January 21.
“All I can do is to do my best to defend my title,” Padawan said.
Top 10 bowlers as of January 23 are Arthur Tapaya, Micmic Miranda, Clarence Tiu, Bel Suelto, Jomar Jumapao, Luther Tapaya, Tbonz Williams, Bede Ilano, Heber Alqueza and Xyrra Cabusas, respectively.