Christian Karl Aguilar and Denmark Bentican poses with coach Donadel Mangili and Hon. Pedro G. Mayam-o,Provincial Governor poses before the awarding of cash incentives in the amount of Twelve Thousand Pesos to them.
It's Their Moment to Shine…..
It will take more than a few quick flicks of the wrist to build badminton into a sport that is played and watched with the same level of intensity as watching basketball or volleyball.
But Christian Karl Aguilar and Denmark Bentican are working on it. Both boys were cheered and loved during the competition played at the PFVR Gym on February 6,2017, Day 3 of the CARAA Meet defeating Baguio and grabbing the title as this year’s Champion in Badminton Boys Doubles, elementary level.
Both Christian Karl and Denmark are from a far-flung school at Patpat Elementary School.
Patpat is a small sub-village of Batad, where you can see one of the most beautiful view of the Banaue Rice Terraces. While this sitio itself does not have too many attractions, the two-hour hike going there passes through some amazing sights. You first cross a river with a hanging bridge, then hike up rice terraces which lead into a small forest with numerous little waterfalls and springs. Upon reaching the ridge of the mountain, relax in a waiting shed which gives you both a full-frontal view of the Batad Rice Terraces and the sweet potato plantations of Patpat. In this small village is a small school known as Patpat Elementary School where these boys hails from.
Christian Karl Aguilar is 10 years old, second son of three children of Mr. and Mrs.Ron Aguilar, a laborer at Bayombong,Nueva Vizcaya together with his wife who works at bakeshop provide the needs of the family. Christian Karl study at Patpat Elementary School and stays with his uncle and teacher,Mr. Jerry Pugong who trained him to be a badminton player paired with Denmark Bentican, a grade 5 pupil while he is grade 3.When asked what he wants to be when he grows up ,he readily answered he wants to become a Seaman.
Denmark Bentican is the 6th child among 10 children of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Bentican who provides for his family through farming. As a grade 5 pupil, his interest in sports was in badminton so his teacher trained him and matched him with Christian Karl. The results was amazing.
Aguilar’s hairpin net shots and Bentican’s striking kills overwhelmed Baguio early in the first set. A stiff rally occurred later on but Ifugao took the opening set and the second set with their sheer determination.
With their powerful smashes and astounding coordination, they have won the championships for the badminton boys doubles category and are very much excited to go to the Palaro come April,2017.#
By Aurelia T. Ballitoc
Lamut District,Ifugao Division