Meet the next-gen champions

New opportunities await children both in academics and in sports as they go back to school. While it may not always be easy to balance the two, both are necessary for the holistic development of kids. More than just the physical wellness and academic performance of a child, it is crucial to undergo powerful, character-forming activities like sports, which teach them life values they can take until adulthood.

Milo, a longtime partner of parents in energizing passions, nourishing ambitions and imparting values through sports, introduces three of its next-generation talents who are not only champions on the court, but also admirable student-athletes in school. They are young karate champion Raymond Akira Sanvictores, rising volleyball star Pia Abbu and MVP cager Enzo Competente.

Get to know the freshest talents who now join the likes of Chris Tiu, Alyssa Valdez and Japoy Lizardo in inspiring the country’s next generation of champions.

Nine-year-old Raymond “Momo” Akira Sanvictores may often be smaller compared to his mat opponents, but there’s no doubting the heart of the young karate champion. A little over two years into the sport, Momo has been bagging silver and bronze medals in multiple tournaments across Asia, one in Singapore and one in Malaysia.

The blue-belter got into karate because he wanted to be “stronger and more confident” in every session and looks up to his coach/sensei Richard Lim because of his high-level skill and way of teaching.

Milo has been a big part of Momo’s journey ever since he started karate. He’s enrolled in the summer sports clinics organized by AAK Philippines on top of his usual weekday trainings. “I drink Milo every day, most especially before my trainings and competitions,” shared Momo.

Born to a Filipino father and a Japanese mother, this promising martial artist also makes sure his discipline is applied in school. His parents both tutor him in his studies, with his mom helping him out in his favorite subject, mathematics.

This little warrior still deals with the nervousness and intimidation of facing bigger, older and more experienced opponents, but says, “My coach and parents always cheer me up and encourage me when I get scared. Coach says I’m faster and my speed can beat my opponent.”

He adds, “Karate has taught me to be more confident and believe in myself. It also teaches me how to overcome challenges with teamwork. Respect is also very important. I learn to respect my teachers, sensei and teammates.”

A 15-year-old native of Cagayan de Oro, Pia Abbu has set her sights on soaring to greater heights in volleyball. Who would have thought that her casual “laru-laro lang” beginnings in the sport would lead to a scholarship and multiple regional and national tournaments, the biggest of them being the Palarong Pambansa?

Pia’s first sport was actually taekwondo. She was doing well, and eventually discovered the joys of volleyball as a team sport when she was in grade 6. Playing within a team was something that brought her greater joy and more meaningful motivation as an athlete. Her idols on the court include Milo champion and volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez.

Beyond her athletic talents, Pia is a good example of a well-rounded student-athlete. She participated in the Miss Milo 2017 pageant where she translated the confidence gained on the court to a new stage and is a consistent honor student and scholar.

“Sports helped boost my self-confidence, especially when we joined different tournaments around the country, and also in my school work. I was shy before but volleyball helped develop my leadership skills,” Pia says.

The teen athlete aims to bring her younger teammates, whom she treats as her sisters, to tournaments outside the region and around the country so they may share the same experience that molded her into a young champion.

Another proud product of the BEST Center partnership is 13-year-old MVP basketball player Renzo Competente of La Salle Greenhills, who is the MVP from the 2017 Milo SBP Passerelle tournament.

Picking up the sport when he was six years old while playing with his brothers, Renzo has since gone on to win numerous championships and rack up several individual awards to add to his already impressive athletic resume.

“For me, it is important to be ready for every game. Milo helps give me energy so I can give my best to my team. When we win, I am ecstatic and that is what I enjoy most about basketball,” shares Enzo.

Enzo looks up to the likes of basketball superstars like Kyrie Irving for his flashy moves yet humble demeanor, and Kiefer Ravena for his selfless teamplay and impressive skillset. Despite his busier training schedules and games, Renzo sees to it he allots enough time to catch up on his studies and maintain his athletic scholarship. He credits his parents as his main source of inspiration and motivation in exceling both in sports and school.

The cager has bigger ambitions in the coming years, starting with getting the opportunity to play for a good collegiate team, hopefully going pro, and ultimately playing for the country in the highest level of basketball.

Milo and BEST Center have helped me in many ways. I learned about teamwork, hard work and how not to give up when you are having a difficult time or losing the game. One has to be positive and stay humble, says the inspiring basketball star.

The future is bright for the next generation of student-athletes with Momo, Pia and Renzo leading the way, and Milo strengthening its commitment to building a nation of champions.

For more information on Milo Philippines, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the MiloILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph). Follow Milo on Twitter (@MiloPH) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines).

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