Vivian Padawan, 75, wins SUGBU Bowler of the Year crown 

Vivian Padawan with her SUGBU “Bowler of the Year” trophy. | Contributed photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Vivian Padawan still has what it takes to dominate the bowling lanes.

Padawan, who is 75 years old, proved this after she was crowned Sugbuanon Bowlers United (SUGBU) “Bowler of the Year” last Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the SM Seaside City Cebu Bowling Center.

Padawan, a regular fixture in Cebu’s bowling scene, rallied from fourth place in the elimination round to vying in the championship round and winning it all. 

Padawan defeated Nestor Ranido, 212-176, in the championship round to clinch the Bowler of the Year title. 

“Of course, l feel proud and happy of myself, knowing l am 75 years old,” she said, adding Padawan that bowling has been her passion since she started playing when she was just 13.

Padawan isthe mother of another elite bowler, Aui Padawan.

The elder Padawan said she didn’t expect to win this bowler of the year title. 

“My competitors are all younger than me and they’re men. I think luck was on my side and it was also a big achievement for me,” she said.

Before that, Padawan who already won numerous national level tournaments before in Cebu and Manila, advanced to the championship round after finishing second in the semifinals with 351 pinfalls, while Ranido emerged on top with 363.

They eliminated Rey Velarde and Manny Bueno, who knocked down 338 and 334 pinfalls, respectively. 

In the quarterfinals, Padawan grabbed the last spot to qualify in the semis with 357 pinfalls, with the three male bowlers finishing ahead of her. 

In the elimination round, Padawan finished the five-game series with 918 pinfalls. 

Padawan qualified for SUGBU “Bowler of the Year” tournament after topping the monthly championships last February. She went up against the other winners of the monthly tournament. 

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Padawan, 75, is SUGBU’s Bowler of the Month