SHE’S already two-time WPA Women’s World 10-ball champion, two-time World Mixed Doubles Classic winner with the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes and 10-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.
But Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit is still hoping to make her presence felt outside the billiards hall in an even bigger and better way.
Amit, now 40, is leading the near-herculean task of discovering more young and talented female billiards players who could someday take her place.
And most recently, she helped organize a women’s invitational billiards competition in Cainta and lent her good name to encourage more young female participants and possibly, new sponsors.
“It is really my dream to help in the promotion of women’s billiards. We have to discover more young and talented women’s billiards players. More is merrier,” said Amit in an exclusive interview at the People Sports Conversation recently.
“Iilan lang talaga kaming babaeng billiards players until now. Ang pangarap ko sana by the time na mag-retiro na ako, meron na mga bago. Kumbaga, may kasangga na uli sina Chezka (Centeno), Iris (Rana) and Floriza (Andal) para sa SEA Games at iba pang international competitions,” added Amit during the weekly sports program hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
“Sabi nga, yun madami kong nakuhang gold medals sa SEA Games is an indication na talagang tumatanda na tayo kasi parang ang tagal ko nang nag-SEA Games,” explained Amit, who was joined in the forum by national team coach Roy Malinao.
“Kaya yun mga interested female players, they can always message me. As long as makita ko yun message nila, I will answer them. I will give them advice,” said Amit, who captured the gold medals in both the 9-ball and 10-ball women’s singles competitions in the SEA Games in Hanoi last month.
But Amit, who defeated Jessica Tan of Singapore in 9-ball and Centeno in the 10-ball final at the Ha Dong District Sporting Hall last May 14-22, claimed there is really no secret to success.
‘It’s all about hard work and training. Kung tutuusin, mas madali nga ngayon. Yun mga training modules, very accessible na sa internet, sa Youtube. Pwede mong pag-aralan yun mga diskartre ng mga pros and find something that suits your style. Kumbaga, kilalanin mo ang sarili mo for you to be able to build on yourself. Sa practice, you don’t just put in the hours.Dapat quality practice talaga. Yung iisipin mo kung ano pwedeng matutunan ngayong araw, kahit maliit lang. Tapos next day, ganun uli, Hanggang makita mo yung improvement sa sarili mo.”
But Amit is also encouraging young billiards players to continue their studies.
“Pero gusto ko din i-encourage yung mga kabataan natin to stay in school kahit na magsimula sila mag billiards. Kasi nga hindi naman masasabi kung para sa atin talaga itong sports na mapili natin. Kung anuman ang lmangyari, may fall back pa din.”
Both Amit and Coach Malinao are thankful to President Duterte, and the PSC, headed by Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, for their tireless support to the Filipino athletes.
“I’m really very thankful kay Presidente Duterte. Talagang very supportive siya sa aming sa mga atleta. Pati ang PSC, walang tigil ang suporta. Naramdaman po talaga namin yun lalo na nitong pandemic na tuloy-tuloy ang aming mga allowances,” recalled Amit, adding the Chief Executive even exchanged jokes with her when she received her cash incentives at Malacañang.
“Niloloko pa nga ako ni Presidente. Sabi niya, walang lamang tseke yun sobre kaya may picture ako na nakasilip sa envelope. He was very happy. At ngayong maganda ang resulta ng SEA Games, talagang ramdam din po namin ang suporta ng PSC at POC (Philippine Olympic Committee). They really appeciate our efforts dito sa SEA Games,” said Amit.
“Bilang atleta, madami talaga kaming dapat pasalamatan sa anumang success namin ngayon. Bukod sa aming mga officials at coaches, madami ang tumutulong. Malaki pasalamat ko sa Mandaue City government. Sa medical team namin, na kinabibilangan nina Mam Fatima at Doc Charles. Sa private sponsors ko, like Usana, Sphero, Dabesco, and Predator Cues. Malaking bagay yung meron talagang laging handang sumuporta.”
For now, Amit is determined to do well in the coming World Games in Birmingham, USA on July 7-17.
“It would be my first time to qualify and I believe there are only four qualifiers from Asia. I’m very blessed to be able to participate and I hope the whole nation will be praying for our success again,” said Amit.
“Ipag-dasal po ninyo hindi lang kami sa billiards but yung whole delegation. As (POC president) Bambol Tolentino mentioned, itong nine athletes na ipadadala natin ang biggest delegation natin sa World Games,” claimed Amit.
Date: June 23, 2022 | By: Ed Andaya | Newspaper: Journal | Source: https://journalnews.com.ph/the-more-the-merrier-for-amit/
