BATTLE-READY Dabawenyo tanker Gawilan targets to defend his gold medals when he competes in the 11th Asean Para Games swimming competition in Indonesia starting Monday, August 1.
The 31-year-old two-time Paralympian, who hauled two golds, one silver, and two bronzes in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games, will plunge into action in his favorite event, the men's S7 400-meter freestyle in the morning and the 4X100m freestyle medley in the afternoon.
The 400m freestyle was also one of the two events that he dominated in the Kuala Lumpur edition of the biennial games. His other golden event then was the 200m individual medley.
"Target nako karon Ma'am na ma-defend nako akong pwesto last 2017 Asean Para Games. Ready na kaayo Ma'am kay naka-training man mi'g sakto pod sa Ultra (I aim to defend my titles in the last 2017 Asean Para Games. I'm very much ready as we have trained enough at the Philsports Complex in Ultra)," he told this writer in a Facebook chat interview on Sunday, August 31.
He is also entered in 200m individual medley (IM), 100m backstroke, and 4X100 medley relay events.
Confident with his preparations, he and his teammates continue their training in the playing venue since July 27, waking up as early as 5 a.m. for the 5:15 a.m. breakfast before they hit the pool for another training routine.
Since Indonesia has similar weather as the Philippines, he said they need not have to adjust at all and the food being served at the Athlete's Village are also familiar.
He usually retires at 9 p.m. to get ample sleep and get energized for the next day's daily grind.
Ernie said, "Gusto ko una magpasalamat kay Lord tungod kay gitugot jud niya nga madayon ang dula; sa PSC nga naa pirmi para suportahan ang para sports bisan man sa kalisod karon sa panahon, naa gihapon ilang support sa amoa; ug sa mga taong nagsalig namo (I want to thank the Lord for permitting the games to continue, for the Philippine Sports Commission for their constant support for para sports, even if the times are challenging, they are still there to support us; and those who believe in us)."
He forms part of the 212-strong Philippines delegation bannered by 144 athletes, 38 coaches, seven personal assistants, and 23 officials including chef de mission Wowie Torres.
Filipino para-athletes are also competing in archery, athletics, badminton, chess, boccia, goal ball, judo, powerlifting, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in a video message, wished Team Philippines good luck, saying: "At siguro naman mapapantayan ninyo ang mga success story na nakita natin sa ating mga ibang atleta na nakipag laban sa mga international games na kagaya nito. Good luck sa inyong lahat at ako’y nakakasiguro na pasisikatin na naman ninyo ang Pilipinas (And maybe you can match the success stories we have seen in our other athletes who fought in international games like this. Good luck to all of you and I am sure that you will make the Philippines famous again)."
Following the string of recent victories in international competitions that the country still relishes today and in the future, we can still wish and pray for more surprises from our sports heroes.
Stand proud, Team Philippines! The entire country is behind you!