THE upcoming International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Wakefest Series 2019 Philippines Stop at Deca Wakepark Clark in Clark, Pampanga will serve as an acid test for Davao City rider Maiquel Jawn "Mikee" Selga who is seeking another spot in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games-bound national wakeboard team.
The 19-year-old Malayan Colleges Mindanao Multi-media arts freshman said it will serve as qualifying tournament for the national team.
"Parang pre-games, practice competition for the SEA Games," the 2015 SEA Games double bronze medalist said.
She hopes her school would excuse her from her classes for the July 27 and 28 competition as she intends to train for a few days at the venue prior to the tournament.
She continued, "I have Saturday class pa po kasi pero balita ko supportive naman ang Malayan sa mga ganito."
Selga plans to train every other day at Deca Wakeboard Park in Barangay Tacunan, Tugbok District since she only have morning classes daily. She avails of free training since she is a sponsored rider of the Deca Wakeboard Park.
"Sana po makapasok (ulit sa national team)," the two-time SEA Games campaigner added.
She first tried wakeboarding when she was 10 years old through the urging of her Ninong Dexter Tan and encouragement of her uncle Gelo Cordero, who is a rider himself, there was no turning back for her.
The Dabawenya ace dominated most of her events in just every local competition then added championship titles won at the Asian Wake Park Tour 3rd leg in Lago de Oro, Batangas in 2011, The Board Shop Cable Jam at Phuket Cable Ski in Phuket, Thailand on the same year, Asian Wake Park Tour first leg at Thai Wake Park, Bangkok, Thailand in 2012, Bohol Wake Jam 2010, Asian Wake Park Tour 2nd leg in 2012, Philippine Qualifier Series first and second legs in Lago de Oro and Deca Wakeboard Park, respectively, WWASP Cable Wakeboard National Championship at Deca Wake Clark Cable Park in Angeles City, Pampanga in 2013 and 7th Philippine Cable Wakeboard Nationals in Laguna.
She recently graduated from Senior High School at San Pedro College. Her busy schedule in school kept her from training for quite some time.