The International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) has given prosecutors permission to use a previously recorded statement from a witness in the murder and crimes against humanity trial of Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (F.P.R.R.D.). In a ruling released on Oct. 2, Trial Chamber III agreed to the prosecution’s request to submit the written testimony of a…
HOPE OF THE MOTHERLAND:PHL Teqball Fledgling Misses Asiad Podium, Lauded Still
NAGOYA—A prince battling a veteran warrior.
The 14-year-old Prince Agustin stood his ground, proving that his small figure will not tremble in the face of a 22 years older Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, as his heart roared with fire and unwavering grit to represent the nation.
He may have been bested by Myanmar’s Friday Saw in a battle for bronze in the 2026 Asian Games men’s singles held yesterday in Nagoya City Higashi Sports Center, but his refusal to bow down without a fight earned the applause of the watchful eyes that he wowed throughout the stint.
“Masaya po na naipakita ang best ko dito sa Asian Games. Bunga po ‘yan ng mahirap na training,” expressed Agustin in an interview.
When the doom of extreme disadvantage could have put the Cagayan Valley-native’s performance to its demise—Agustin, with less than a year of experience, displayed skills that brought hope in a fiercely contested match—holding down a 7-7 deadlock before Saw’s prowess eventually prevailed.
A son of a Wi-Fi technician and a housewife, a 400,000-peso cash incentive from the Philippine Sports Commission slipped through the hands of a young Agustin who is a better master of Sepak Takraw; dominating last year’s Palarong Pambansa, together with his co-delegates Anel Pacis Jr. and Dailan Christoffe Montenegro, who are of his same age.
They were discovered by Coach George Dalanay who saw their potential in the sport that combined sepak takraw, table tennis, and football—and Philippine Teqball Head of Delegation Jovie Mamawal agreed.
On the heels of a scintillating run, Mamawal saw hope for the motherland to succeed in a sport that is still unfamiliar to many, establishing not only recognition but a strong possibility of an honorable finish in the coming 2028 SEA Youth Plus Games here in home soil.
Yesterday may not have been Agustin’s, but the spirit of the fight he brought ensures that one day, the time to raise the flag and sing the national anthem on top of the podium, will be his to relish.
