By Kathrine A. Licerio, BA Comm-4 OJT
Rogen Aguirre is proud to be a member of the CPU Golden Lions.
“I feel blessed and thankful gid kay God nga amat-amat ko na nga naabot ang akon nga handum.” A student-athlete, Rogen Aguirre, once said, after he got an invitation from (PATAFA) Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association to join the 2022 SEA Games Performance Trial in Baguio City Athletic Bowl on February 23-24, 2022.
Rogen Aguirre, a varsity and a member of Central Philippine University Golden Lions Athletics team, is 21-year-old taking up Bachelor of Physical Education. From the City of Sagay Negros Occidental, he is the 10th among the 11 children of Mrs. Teresa and Mr. Roberto Aguirre. Being raised by a food vendor and a truck driver, his parents had still managed to provide their basic needs. Rogen, at 9 years old, started to earn money by helping his parents selling “kakanin” (Filipino’s delicacies, made of sticky rice) outside the malls. Strolling around the plaza while carrying the basket full of delicacies on his head has been part also of his daily life which this little boy enjoyed a lot. According to him, life has not been easy at all but he still chooses to enjoy every moment of it. But who would have taught that his daily strolls around the plaza brought him in becoming a big dreamer?
He is on his 5th grade when he discovered joining track and field sports. His interest on this field started when his father who just passed away told him to join the men who jog at the plaza every afternoon. He was exposed every day of his life by these people, running, until he decided to become one of them. Later on, track and field sports specifically running has been his passion. Although he received many discouragements from other people, his love for it continues and grows until today of his college life.
Being a student-athlete, Rogen also lives his college life independently. To make his dream come in to reality of studying in Central Philippine University, he enrolled and became a working student. His first step on the campus was because of all his hard work. By entering part-time jobs such as selling doughnuts and frozen goods, being a Pedi cab driver, and a construction worker, he was able to survive his everyday life as a student.
To continue his passion in athletics, Rogen applied for tryouts. Fortunately, he was qualified and became a varsity player of the campus. With all his extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs, Rogen still managed his time wisely. Academically, Rogen is also performing great as he maintained being on the dean’s list. For him, education is still his top priority.
“Priority ko gid gyapon ang akon pag eskwela kay mas nami gid nga may gina uyatan ka nga diploma. Gina enjoy ko lang and positive lang gid bisan ano kakapoy.”
With all his determination and positivity, Rogen was the only member of Central Philippine University Golden Lions Athletics team who was given an invitation by (PATAFA) Philippine Athletics Track Association on February 8, 2022. With the help of his coach, Lester Jan Cayabyab, and the support he received from his family and other people, he was able to grab the opportunity and finally arrived in Baguio on the 18th of February.
The 1st league of SEA Games Performance Trial was held on February 24 at Baguio City Athletic Bowl. Rogen performed in the 3000m steeple chase event, and luckily, he was qualified on the top 6 among the 9 participants from other provinces and cities while the 2nd league will be held on March 24-25, 2022, the final qualifying games. Rogen then was advised by the Philippine team coach to stay in Baguio for more trainings since it would be more advantageous for him to train in a high altitude place. And because of his determination to be qualified in the SEA Games, he willingly extended his stay in Baguio. Now, he is strongly preparing with the Philippine team coach and other national athletes to be qualified for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 12 to 23, 2022.
According to him, one of his greatest dreams is to become a professional athlete and to represent his country in the international game. While waiting for the final qualifying games, Rogen is extending his appreciation to all the people who made his dream becoming a reality.
“First, kay God, sa opportunity nga gin hatag niya para maipakita ang akon talent and capabilities, sa akon family, sa unending love and support. Kay Ma’am Santos, Central Philippine University, especially kay Dr. Teodoro Robles, Sir Edwin Laru-an, College of Education, CPU Athletics Team, Coach Lester Jan Cayabyab kag sa More Power.”
Rogen also believes that with determination and discipline, you will be able to achieve great things.