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• ATHLETE'S FEET
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Rockin' the pool like a rockstar
The Hypersuperman
02.12.2008|Aeron Valderrama |
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Going around the world has its perks. He had gained friends as he go from country to country. He is close to Malaysian swimmers Daniel Bego and Cai Lin and Indonesian Felcia Leksono. Ken had also seen some of the sport's icons such as Americans Gary Hall and Aaron Piersol and Australia's star Stephanie Rice. Aside from the people he met, he enjoyed the places he had been to. For him, the US is one of the best places on earth. He added that he also like Japan "for its cars." However, he feels that if the Philippines will be counted, he still feels that our country is still the best.
That is one of the lessons he learned in the University. In UP, he learned to appreciate the Filipino culture in dealing with several types of people in the campus. It is here where he became every inch a Filipino. He likewise learned the value of having a freedom of choice and expression. For him, contrary to popular belief, UP people are not all books. They are ewasy and fun to talk to and hang out with. That what makes this young man get excited to go to school everyday. He feels that in UP, p-eople will make you feel that certain allure that will make you enjoy your stay. What amuses him is the conflicting ideas and views of his fellow iskos and iskas on several things. It is in this, however, that one learns to think and ponder.
Ken's most favorite swimmer is American Gary Hall. It is not only because Hall is great swimmer, but also because of his life outside the pools. Hall has a foundation that helps people with diabetes. Like his idol, Kendrick is also into charity. He started counseling children, in the United States during the summer months when his family is there, at the age of 14. He likewise participates in the North Vancouver Outdoor School in Canada (His family goes to Canada on the summer, too.), where he teaches kids some survival skills. Ken started this venture only three years ago. last November 30, he and his car club mates visited an orphanage. For this big guy with a big heart, charity or helping others must not only be done during the holidays, but also all year round.
Being a swimmer he is also health concious. Ken's family has shares in the Body Worx Gym located in West Avenue, Quezon City. It is where he does his physical training and where he hangs out after class. However, he does not only hang out here, he also manages the gym. In addition, in 2006 he made an antismoking campaign ad for the Department of Health.
Sometimes, people have to make certain choices to fulfill big dreams. Ken left the country in 2007 to train abroad and try to qualify for the then upcoming 2008 Summer Olympic Games, even though it meant missing his family and friends here. He endured the rigorous training just to improve his times. He even remembers the time when he and his colleagues went to Tibet. The place is so high, it is hard to swim so fast. Altitude traini9ng is meant more for long distance swimmers for endurance and not for sprinters such as Ken. He continued training early this year in the US, where he stayed in Bolle School. He then competed in several Grand Prix meets in order to qualify for the Olympics. But another incident made Ken come up with another decision; now, it meant bidding his Olympic dream goodbye even for that moment. (continue...)
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That is one of the lessons he learned in the University. In UP, he learned to appreciate the Filipino culture in dealing with several types of people in the campus. It is here where he became every inch a Filipino. He likewise learned the value of having a freedom of choice and expression. For him, contrary to popular belief, UP people are not all books. They are ewasy and fun to talk to and hang out with. That what makes this young man get excited to go to school everyday. He feels that in UP, p-eople will make you feel that certain allure that will make you enjoy your stay. What amuses him is the conflicting ideas and views of his fellow iskos and iskas on several things. It is in this, however, that one learns to think and ponder.
