Artistic Statement (Draft)

     

Ever since I was a child, I fell in love with sports immediately. I would watch recorded sports videos from my Grandfather’s VHS tapes. From Michael Jordan’s Basketball heroics, up to Muhammad Ali’s intense boxing matches. I would also watch together with my father, Tiger Woods’ high energy in a seemingly meek game of golf. These moments during my childhood initially inspired me to become a well-renowned athlete someday. As I grow up, though, I had to face reality harshly. I realized that my body is weak—mainly because of asthma that is still my problem to this day. I thought that time that I would be estranged with sports after my realizations. However, several years later, I found my solace. One of my previous teachers told me that I should try writing for a school publication; and that is where my love for writing sports stories sprouted.

I fulfilled my childhood dream of being involved in the sport “scene” through my writings. During sports events, I would be given access to the dugout area of different teams so I can conduct an interview. I would even be given special access to courtside view most of the time since I also need to take some well-timed shots for the photos needed in the sports section of the publication. I may not be the one who plays, or the one who will bring the victory for the team, I would still be able to feel the intensity and emotions of each game I am covering, thanks to the perks I got from being able to cover the game courtside. Then, after I watch a particular game, I would just write all the good things that happened in the game for the readers like who won, what is the score, and what event are they playing. Well, that was how I write initially. Not until reality hits hard once again.

As I continue writing, I was able to attend eventually National sports competitions for schools until they reach the pinnacle in Palarong Pambansa. This changed my perspective in simply writing the things that happened in the game since I saw many young and aspiring athletes who were underprivileged. Some has old and worn-out shoes, while some has no decent accessories for their sports. Imagine a young track and field athlete who needs to borrow the shoes of their teammates in order to compete. This has become an eye opener to me—that many aspiring athletes has their own battles to face for the sake of competing and fulfilling their dreams.

Laguna Province's Provincial Meet

Now, I give more focus on doing some research on the players I am covering. For example, aside from their age, I would try to ask about the occupation of their parents and other personal things that they are comfortable sharing. Just from this, my way of writing has changed and improved. I can now give more angles on the player, like how an athlete who only relies on his miniscule allowance from their school has defeated an athlete coming from an exclusive school with complete facilities. By adding this “flavor” to my writing, other schools or people may become interested to such an athlete—possibly giving better opportunities for the young athlete’s career.

Ever since then, my writing has improved. I am now learning to write for the Editorial section of some publications so that I can use my works in addressing different issues needed to be addressed. I am also continuing my tutorials to many aspiring sports writers. During this pandemic, some aspiring writers would send me their articles, and I would then share my thoughts about their work. I strongly want to continue doing this since we are at a time where many people are choosing to be silent on different issues, especially when it comes to the government. By doing my craft and sharing it with others, I hope that many of them will not only write for the sake of seeing their names on the Editorial board or for the sake of winning in different competitions. Instead, I hope that they will be fearless and continue to speak and expose the issues that makes the people suffer.

Picture of me (wearing white) doing tutorials