Carlo, 'Batang Pinoy' sensation shows how
Posted on December 16, 2002 - Filed Under News |
“If you set a goal in your life, give your best to attain it and work for it. Patience is the key,”
Thus said Batang Pinoy’s swimming sensation, Carlo Alipio Fernandez of Dagupan City.
Even at a young age, Fernandez knows how life’s battles are won. The soft-spoken 10-year old who has been swimming since he was five, said he has set his eyes on gaining national prominence.
Indeed, he got what he aimed for. Fernandez is now an instant celebrity in Pangasinan after he was named “Boy Athlete of the Year” for bagging four gold medals and setting new records in swimming in the recently-concluded 2002 Philippine National Youth Games (Batang Pinoy)held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
A grandson of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Alipio Fernandez who served as three-term mayor here, the young Fernandez said he is still not used to getting people’s attention, especially the media. To this, the undersecretary proclaimed,” I’m now better known as the grandpa of Carlo and media friends now prefer to talk to him than me.”
After his triumphant stint in Palawan, the young Fernandez became a most sought after interviewee here, that even during his classes at the Mother Goose Playskool in this city, local newsmen have seeking him out.
The new swimming sensation set a new record in 200 meter breaststroke (the new event in this annual games for kids 12 years and below, 200 meter individual medley, 200 meter freestyle and 100 meter breaststroke.
Asked by The PUNCH who inspired him to go into swimming, he quickly replied,” Ang lola ko po (my grandma).” Carlo is the son of Dr. Alfie and Haydee Fernandez. He dedicated his victory to his parents.
He said it was his maternal grandma, Nilda Tan, who saw him through in his rigorous practices five years ago until his big day in Palawan.
“Lola Nilda has been accompanying me while training in Lourdes (Manila) and in PAMMA (in Dagupan City) from 5:30 p.m. till 8:00 three times a day,” Carlo said in Filipino. His training schedule became rigorous until the competition.
But, despite his victory in swimming, Carlo still prefers to go into either billiards or basketball, like his grandpa who was a varsity player of Don Bosco College in Mandaluyong City.
After the 4th Batang Pinoy stint, Carlo is now aiming for the laurels at the Palarong Pambansa. But his ultimate goal is to be an Olympian. EVD
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