BEING a fan of both Game of Thrones and Marvel, April was indeed the month to keep an eye on as heroes, history, and hype dominate our screens. But in Davao, a different kind of game of zones took place as Philippines' mightiest athletes assemble to win this year's Palarong Pambansa for their respective region in Davao City.
With over 15,000 athletes, Palarong Pambansa 2019 kicked off last April 27 at the Davao City-University of the Philippines Sports Complex in Mintal, Davao City with President Rodrigo Duterte in attendance during the opening.
Throughout the course of the games, National Capital Region is the virtual frontrunner to reclaim its throne as the overall champion of the games for the 15th straight year.
Currently sitting on the 10th spot as of this writing, Davao Region suffered an all-time low at 17th place for the first few days but bounced back with the crucial win from swimming, arnis, wrestling, and sepak takraw.
As spectators would say that athletes fell short from the expectations of medal haul with a home court advantage, what they did not see up close was the struggle, hard work, and determination despite the loss of our Davao eagles.
Winning a gold medal in Palaro can't be done with just a snap of fingers but with practice and all-out commitment to the sport.
Win or lose, athletes gave their best even to the extent of pain while competing, but what's important are the lessons and they have acquired from their triumph and defeats.
For some athletes, it's the endgame of their Palaro stint, but for the others, it is the beginning of a new wave of heroes set to make history an hype for their region as they prepare for the 2020 Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.