The Philippines is a country known for world-class sports figures like
boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, kegler Paeng Nepomuceno, runner Lydia De Vega, the
magician Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire. These
athletes are products of hard work and training that they developed when they
were still young. Such is the case of this upcoming water polo star from UST.
Born Aljon Salonga on
November 4, 1992 in Las Pinas City to Mr. Reynaldo Salonga and Ms. Virginia
Salonga, this 5-foot-9 tanker from
UST too Fine Arts and Design.
Asked how he balanced
his sports and his studies, “When I was in college, I used to train at 5 in the
morning and leave at 6:40 for my 7am to 12nn class. I also go to the gym in the
afternoon around 5pm to lift some weights”, replied Aljon.
Aljon already won in several competitions like
winning a gold medal in the 2nd Pilipinas beach water polo at Anvaya
Cove Resort in Subic, clinching 2 bronze medals and 1 silver medal in Thailand
Phuti Anan Water Polo Cup. Back in college, he also won 3 silver medals and 2
bronze medals in UAAP swimming championships.
“For me, our advantages
in international competitions are being resourceful, quick, and our passion for
ball games like basketball or football that we can use in this kind of game. If
we are also good in swimming, we can make good adjustments because this sports
has similarities with other kinds of sports”, quipped Aljon.
“This sport will be
more popular here in our country if we can bring home gold medals in South East
Asian (SEA) Games because we still haven’t won the gold in water polo. The
media can also be of great help to spread awareness about this sport. We in the
Philippine water polo team help in
hosting tournaments here in the country like Beach Water Polo and Inter-School
Water Polo games. We also help teach children and teens about water polo during
Saturdays”, added Aljon.
Aljon also happens to be a television and
print ads model. He appeared in several tv commercials that include Revicon. “I
can say that I’m not that good compared to other commercial models but yes I
tried to act good and play the role of Lukas Lakas as a construction worker. I
really did my best and practiced making hallow blocks with the real hallow blocks
makers that time before the shoot so that I can blend with them and look legit.
It was hard because of the heat and heavy blocks that we have to carry”, said
Aljon.
His ambitions in life are to use his talents
and skills given by the Lord to be a good role model to others and be a great
athlete, artist, or an actor. One of my dreams is also to be with Liza Soberano
in a shoot or project. Blessed with good looks, humility, perseverance and
talent combined with unceasing faith in God, this lad will definitely reach his
dreams in the very near future.
*Photo courtesy of Turbo Philippines
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