Thursday, April 24, 2008 Cviraa athletes gets courage from Sto. Niño
PUERTO Princesa—Every delegation has brought something that will make them stand out from the other delegates.
Some have mascots, some have cheer-dance teams, while others brought with them colorful flags and banners.
However, for Region 7, there secret weapon isn’t a cheer dance team, but one thing it does is give the team courage—the Sto. Niño, an image that not only differentiates the delegation from the others but also serves as a testamant of their faith, that is, for the Catholics in the delegation.
The image of the holy child has been instrumental in the daily lives of the athletes of Region 7 competing in the Palarong Pambansa in Puerto Princesa.
The team danced the Sinulog during the opening with gymnastics coach Darlene dela Pisa carrying the image and Miss Palaro Eva Psychee Patalinghug carried the image when she modeled her regional costume.
The team, billeted at the Palawan National High School, also set up a mini chapel in the school where the Sto. Niño is placed. In their daily preparation, a prayer to the Sto. Niño is part of the daily itinerary.
Prayers has been one of the everyday rituals of the 600 or so members of Region 7.
“We wake up early in the morning to prepare for the holy mass,” said tennis player Bernardine Niño Siso.
The biggest thing the Sto. Nino has done for the team, however, was how it has given them hope—despite the different religious beliefs of the athletes.
Before the athletes leave Palawan National High School for their respective competitions, the players gather around the icon to ask for guidance and help.
Apart from this, the Sto. Niño has become a major spectacle and has become in demand in Puerto Princesa.
In a party tonight hosted by the City Mayor, Central Visayas was requested to present and turn over a Sto. Niño to him. (MCB)
