LAGUNA, Philippines—For 14-year-old Johanna Marie Faciolan, it was next to impossible to avoid being exposed to the sport of archery.

Known by her family and friends as “Joy,” the native of Koronadal City, South Cotabato has come a long way in archery, representing the Philippines in international sports competitions. 

Two years ago, Joy was influenced by her mother, Marites Faciolan, who used to be one of the coaches in archery delegation of Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) in Palarong Pambansa way back, to follow in her maternal side’s footsteps.

At a very young age, this rising archer star of the SOCCSARGEN has instilled in her mind the importance of hard work and dedication in order to become a successful athlete.

“Bata pa lang kasi ako noon kita ko na ‘yung Mama ko kapag nag co-coach siya ng mga athletes. At kita ko din kung gaano kahalaga ng focus at hard work para manalo sa kahit anong sports event,” shared Joy.

(When I was a child, I saw my how my mother trained her athletes. In there, I realized that being focused and having hard work are the two important things to become a successful athlete.)

This is the second year that Joy will represent their region at Palarong Pambansa. Her first try favored her when she bagged bronze medal in the team shooting category of the archery sports event. 

“Masaya ako noon kasi unang Palaro ko ‘yun and naka bronze ako,” said Joy.

(I was happy that time because that was the first time I joined Palarong Pambansa and I won a bronze medal.)

Her goal this year is to improve upon her previous finish and take gold at the 2014 Games. That begins with her competition on Tuesday, May 6.

Athletic pedigree

Her mother isn’t the family’s only archery enthusiast. Her father Johnny has also been known to be handy with a bow and arrow. Like his daughter, Johnny too came to the sport as a result of his wife’s influence.

“Nagustuhan din ni Johnny yung archery kasi lagi ko siyang kasama kapag may trainings kami. Nanonood lang ‘yan and then nagustuhan na niya. Later on, tinuturo na niya kay Joy,” said Marites.

(Johnny learned to like archery when he was with me during my trainings. He was just watching and eventually liked it. Later on, she was teaching the basics of archery to Joy.)

Joy has one sister named Jam, a nine-year-old budding ballet dancer.  According to her mother, Jam was not able to come with them to Laguna because she was injured in an accident at her last competition.

The best feeling for an athlete is knowing that their family is supporting them all the way, and this is true for Joy. Her parents arrived in Laguna on May 2, Friday, all the way from South Cotabato just to show their support to their daughter. 

“Gusto ko kasi na ‘yung mga anak ko ay may ibang skills na alam at mapaglilibangan na kung saan ay mag eenjoy sila. Kaya all support talaga kami sa kanya at sa kapatid na rin niyang si Jam,” shared Marites.

(I wanted my child to know other skills and at the same time she will enjoy it. With this, we support our children all the way.)

When she was asked about whom she idolized in archery, Joy said, “Siguro si Ate Cathy Rose Vilbar… Kasi siya yung nakakuha siya ng gold medal last year and nagco-compete din siya sa ibang bansa.”

(Cathy Rose Vilbar is my idol in playing archery. She bagged gold medal last year and she also competes with other countries.) 

Tolibas used to be one of the successful archery athletes of Region XII. Her last year in Palarong Pambansa made her region proud when she took home the gold medal last year.  

Competitions in Singapore and South Korea

Her dedication and commitment to archery has brought her to other countries like Singapore and South Korea. 

In her first year of playing archery, she competed in Singapore to represent the Philippines at the World Indoor Archery Championship on October 2012. Despite failing to place in the competition, Joy was happy because she ranked 33th among 54 other archers. 

“Masaya na ako noon kasi unang try ko pa lang naman and then yung experience ko sa paglalaro with other archers from other countries is marami akong natutunan and unforgettable,” shared Joy. 

(I was happy that time because that was my first time to compete with other countries. I also learned a lot from my opponents and I regarded it as my unforgettable experience.)

A year later, she competed at the International Youth Fest held in South Korea and ranked 32^nd among 42 other archers. 

Joy sees her experience in competing with other countries as her edge among other Palaro delegations. 

“Siguro ang natutunan ko sa pag compete ko sa ibang bansa is ‘yung strategy nila sa paglalaro na puwede kong maging edge sa mga makakalaban ko nagyong 2014 Palarong Pambansa,” said Joy. 

(What I learned from competing with other countries was their strategy in playing and this can serve as my edge to my opponents in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.)

Joy has undergone two months of rigid training with her coach Jun Basadre in preparation for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Jun has been her coach since she started playing archery. 

With her international experience and enhanced confidence, he believes that Joy has a greater chance in getting the highly coveted gold medal this time. – Rappler.com