April 17, 2018

For the second year in a row, Negros Oriental’s billiard champion Ralph Gerald Aming is aiming to ace the nine-ball category of billiards in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa. He believes that there will be a number of seasoned contenders in this year’s competition, but he vows to do his best to outsmart their moves.

“Not winning in the previous year’s Palaro made me feel challenged, and I realized that I still need to practice more to hone my skill. But God is so good for allowing me to be here in the national level again. This is another chance given to me to win,” Ralph relayed with utmost enthusiasm and determination.

“He has learned from his mistakes in the past games, listened to feedbacks from his coach, developed his spiritual faith, and maintained a positive sportsmanship attitude,” his coach, Maricel Tropezado, shared.

With his jaw-dropping display of tricks, “sure-ball” shots, and strong-willed spirit, he has proven that he’s got what it takes to become a junior billiards champion. He garnered six gold medals in different categories at the division level, and one silver and two gold medals in the regional meet.

One of his most challenging games was the match against Mandaue City’s Keane Derek Rota in the nine-ball championship game in Bohol during the 2018 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet. Rota was a billiard star featured in the “Little Big Shots” TV program sometime in September 2017. But this did not deter Ralph’s spirit, as he showcased his power shots to pocket the ninth ball, declaring him the winner with the final score of 5-3.

 

He was also victorious during the 2017 Negros Island Region Athletics Association (NIRAA) Meet against Silay City’s best in the nine-ball championship in Dumaguete City. Luck, however, was not on his side during the 2017 Palarong Pambansa in Antique.

The Grade 9 student of Negros Oriental High School could still remember the time he started to get interested in billiards.

“When I was around five to six years old, I always accompany my father whenever he goes to billiard halls. I was just there sitting and observing…until such time that I learned to play it,” the 15-year-old athlete shared.

Every time Ralph competes, his father, Rogelio Aming, is always in attendance, giving him his all-out support to make sure that his son will reach the peak of success. He can be seen whispering pieces of advice on what Ralph should do to advance in the game.

“Without him, I will not be able to love billiards…to go this far. I am thankful to him because he is always with me in every step that I take.”

Ralph’s family hails from Canaway, Siaton, Negros Oriental. He narrated that they had two billiard tables before, which helped him easily learn the game.

Entering his third playing year, Ralph vows to do his best to bring home the coveted Palarong Pambansa gold.

END

By:
Lorilyn Nocete-Nudalo
Master Teacher I
Liptong Elementary School
District of Valencia
Division of Negros Oriental