Cebuano spiker draws inspiration from mom

Annika Questo

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Cebuano spiker draws inspiration from mom
Kim Dominguez has learned the basics of volleyball from his mother, a skilled player herself

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – From the Queen City of the South, Central Visayas secondary boys spikers upset players from the Cordillera Adminstrative Region (CAR) by winning 25-21 in the first set and outlasting CAR in the end with a score of 25-18 during the elimination games of the sport held at UM Tagum College Gym.

Kim Dominguez, a 17-year-old outside hitter of the winning team, proved what a mother’s love can do in the world of volleyball.

When he was only 12 years old, Kim’s mother, Hiez’l Gabunilas – a skilled volleyball player herself – taught him how to hold a volleyball, how to stay focused, and how to have a heart for the game.

“Bestfriend na ko si mama ug siya ang nagapalakas sa akong loob pag-magdula nako (My mother is my bestfriend and she strengthens my confidence and will whenever I play),” Dominguez said.

His mother saw something in him: the spirit and the eagerness to win. Kim had the potential of a volleyball player.

Since then, Kim was determined to win and reach his dream of becoming a bemedalled athlete. However, like any other athlete, Kim faced a lot of problems along the way.

Never easy

Injuries affected his performance in court. The training proved difficult as he juggled school requirements and the drills he needed to keep his body in shape. Family constraints, too, baffled the athlete.

Isa lang ko na lalaki sa amo na mga mag-soon. Tulo ka babae ug ako. Naa koy step-father pero okay lang mi (I am the only son among us siblings. Three girls and then they had me. I have a step-father but we get along),” the athlete remarked.

His family life might be complicated, but Kim’s mother is the one who stayed and supported him in his athletic endeavors.

Siya gyud nang mama na dili jud ka biya-an, maskin unsa man ang mahitabo (She’s the kind of mom that won’t leave you, no matter what),” Dominguez said. 

Years ago, during Kim’s first Palarong Pambansa as an elementary student, he participated in the same ball event but failed to bag a medal. Failure might be at bay, but going home with nothing didn’t stop the young spiker from reaching his dream.

The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting even in the Philippines that aims to develop the potentials of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens.

It is the Department of Education’s way of promoting physical education and sports as an integral part of the basic education curriculum.

The court is a scary place, with blazing balls and killer hits that can send chills to any player’s spine. It can make one nervous and lose focus. But not Kim, whose mother’s love keeps his fighting spirit ablaze.

This year is Kim Dominguez’s second Palaro, and with his mother’s support, he is determined to spike his way to victory in the next elimination games, when CVRAA versus DAVRAA on Tuesday, May 5. – Rappler.com

Annika Questo, an incoming 3rd year high school student, is the managing editor of The Mover, Tagum City National high school’s publication.

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