Featured Story

Adventure to Palawan
Four of our children in the Philippines relate their experience competing in the national Tae Kwon Do tournament.
July 2003

The children living at the Arms of Love Children's Home in the Philippines participate in many different activities, which are both recreational and character-building. One of of those activities is Tae Kwon Do. The Tagbilaran City Vineyard church worked with a local instructor to develop a Christan-based version of the karate class, which the children participate in every Saturday morning.

This past December, four of our children were selected -- and fully scholarshiped -- to participate in the national tournament on the island of Palawan. The four-day journey to Palawan, and the competition itself, was was one of the greatest adventures thus far of these children's lives.

In this month's newsletter, the children share their stories of this experience. Since the children learn English as a second language, the letters herein were written without translation.  

Last December, I was very happy. My instructor in karate chose me to represent our province in the Batang Pinoy, a national competition for Filipino kids. Two weeks before we went to Palawan, I underwent rigid training. I had to practice every day and do helpful exercises.

Then the day we are to depart, my classmates, teachers and family here at Arms of Love wished me good luck. I am really glad to know they support me with prayers and love.

The trip was a fearful one, since it was my first time to ride the boat. We traveled for four days on the sea and road. But then I'm thankful I get closer to my teammates, and I saw many beautiful spots on the way.

The time I was scheduled to play, I saw other athletes from different places. They were so prepared, I doubt I will win. But then I played with a promise to give my best. I lost. But it didn't stop me from aiming to win the next time. Maybe I need more and more practice. But I am glad I was chosen to play with the best children in the country. It makes me think I'm one of the best, too.

I also gained more friends and I saw the famous crocodile farm, the butterfly garden, the Manila Zoo, and the national gym for Tae Kwon Do. What's wonderful is that when I arrived home and went back to school, I found out my classmates, teachers and my family love me the same as they did before the tournament … even if I lost.

Love,
Arthur Monton

 

My warmest greetings to you! How are you? My prayers for you is that may you be blessed always and may God give you good health.

Well, I'm fine. I'm ready for school again. Classes will start this coming June 16. I want to share with you how God blessed me this few months ago. You know what? I was chosen to represent my province in a Tae Kwon Do karate competition. I was so glad because of all the athletes who joined the elimination round, I was selected by the judges. I was happy and excited because for the first time, I can ride on a big boat in going to the island of Palawan where the venue is. I felt dizzy in riding on a boat. Thank God for the strength he gave me.

We traveled for almost 4 days and 3 nights. From Bohol to Manila, Manila to Palawan is very far. Even when we are on the boat, we still have a rigid practice in preparation for the tournament. We reach Palawan early midnight. Even I'm tired. I'm so excited for my coming fight.

We have our fight on the 4th day, since we arrived in Palawan. I was on the first fight on the category of 10 year olds. My opponent is bigger than me. I tried so hard and I got nice scores. When the judges tallied all the scores, I got the highest, but my opponent is higher belt. I was lost by belting system: her rank is much higher than mine. I lost by seniority.

Through that fight I learned a lesson of being humble (praise God because He is in my heart). Even though I lost, I know I won in the heart of Jesus.

We went home after a week stay in Palawan. Before we went home, we went to the different beautiful places in Palawan. We also went to the Manila zoo when we arrive in Manila. I've got a memorable time when I joined Batang Pinoy athletic competition.

Praise to God for His wonderful deeds in my life.

Love,
Rowena Monton

 

When we had a try-out in Tae Kwon Do for Batang Pinoy, a national competition for Filipino kids, I was really interested. Fortunately, I won, and was officially announced as one of the province's representatives.

We had practice for two weeks and then we traveled to Palawan where the tournament was held. It was a long trip. It took us four days before we reached the destination at Palawan. We practiced hard and got ourselves familiarized with the place and our opponents. I learned new techniques. But when I observed other players, they have really good moves and are very much prepared.

I played anyway and was determined to do all I can to win. But no matter how hard I tried, I lost. At first it was hard, but then I realized I need to practice more, not just during our scheduled karate lessons but whenever I have time. However, the fact that I was chosen is already a great consolation.

I also went to see four beautiful spots in the Philippines. They are the Butterfly Garden, Crocodile Farm, Manila Zoo and the National Gym for Tae Kwon Do. I also gained lots of friends from around the Philippines.

Love,
Romel Ayco

 

Praise be to God for His wonderful works! Hello! How are you? I pray that He will continue to pour out His blessings on your family always.

Thanks to God for His favor toward me. I was lucky for I was chosen to represent our province in last December's Batang Pinoy Athletic Competition. When my name was called for the selection of the players, I really feel so happy. I did my best and I asked God that I will be chosen. Surely, God helped me. I will represent my province (Bohol) for the national competition.

It's very hard for me to travel by boat for almost four days. We left Bohol in the midnight of Nov. 27. We traveled more than one day to Manila. When we reached Manila, we stayed for a half day and we travel again to Palawan. We traveled for more than one day and we reach Palawan night time. We stayed at one of the private schools in Palawan. We are so blessed because the school we are staying in is exclusive for Bohol delegates only.

We have had rampant practice early in the morning till noon. On the third day of our stay in Palawan, we went to the gym for the familiarization of the place. Master Van, our coach, teach us techniques on kicking and punching. I feel tired when night comes. We sleep early. We eat our meals on the restaurants.

On the 4th day is the tournament for the Tae Kwon Do. I've got the first fight for the 12-year-old category. My opponent is taller and bigger than me. I do all my best to win, but unfortunately I did not. Even though I did not win, I win lots of friends coming from the different provinces of the entire Philippines. I actually shared Jesus to one of my friends from the island of Samar. On our last day in Palawan we visited nice and wonderful places in Palawan like the famous crocodile farm and the butterfly garden.

We left Palawan 4:00 a.m. and we arrived Manila on the following day. We were given a free dinner by our Congressman Edgar Chatto. We went and visited our national gym for Tae Kwon Do in Manila and we went to the famous Manila zoo. We left Manila the next day.

Through this I really feel so thankful and blessed. God is really good to me.

I love you and I miss you!

Love,
Marygel Ayco