CEBUANO athletes may not have games to play in right now with the general quarantine directive of the government caused by Covid-19 but it doesn’t mean they are just staying at home twiddling their thumbs.
SunStar Cebu managed to speak to several premier athletes and asked them what they have been up to now that games have been suspended indefinitely.
“I’m still eating the right diet and doing my workout routine at home,” said Mac Racho, who played for Iloilo in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) last season. “I just try to think positive about what’s happening now, take advantage of the time that you’re with your families. Do what you have to do, stay focus and stay in shape.”
Meanwhile, Mandaue City-native Jancork Cabahug, the ace of the University of the Visayas, said that with the Green Lancers unable to practice and prepare for the upcoming Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) season, he is now just working out at home.
“I’m trying my best to make use of the equipment I have and maintain a balanced diet,” shared the man known as “The Bulldozer.” He also encouraged his fellow athletes to look for ways and means to stay fit, wherever they may be.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be done at a gym. You can always make use of what you have at home.”
On the other hand, Dumaguete City’s pride, Tristan Albina, who is set to suit up for Valenzuela City in the MPBL next season, said staying safe is his priority.
“Honestly, lisod mag maintain sa condition karon kay tungod aning Covid-19. Sirado tanan mga gyms and basketball courts so no choice jud ko. Every day lang ko nag jumping rope diri sa balay and then, push ups. Shooting sad diri sa among basketball court nga yuta every night,” said the former Cesafi three-point champion. “Okay ra mawala ato condition, dali ra bitaw na balikon. Health is our top priority.”
Albina’s upcoming teammates in Valenzuela, Shane Menina and Patrick Jan Cabahug, are also doing what they can to keep their conditioning up.
“Ako gibuhat karon sa balay kay duwa diri sa ring sa likod sa amoa, then after kay home work out ra then saka ug naog sa third floor para condition gihapon,” shared Menina.
Cabahug on the other hand, is trying to play as much as he can in pick-up games all over the city.
“As an athlete, I keep myself still active. I go to Metro Sports where I can do shooting by myself. Muscle memory is very important thus, doing it daily enhances my skill. Since the gym is still open, I grab the opportunity but maintaining social distancing. Now if gyms will close entirely, I plan to do my own HIIT exercise to keep me active.” (JNP)