UST water polo athlete Aljon Salonga and his passion for the game







The Philippines is a country known for world-class sports figures like boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, kegler Paeng Nepomuceno, runner Lydia De Vega, the magician Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire. These athletes are products of hard work and training that they developed when they were still young. Such is the case of this upcoming water polo star from UST.

Born Aljon Salonga on November 4, 1992 in Las Pinas City to Mr. Reynaldo Salonga and Ms. Virginia Salonga, this 5-foot-9 tanker  from UST  too Fine Arts and Design.

Asked how he balanced his sports and his studies, “When I was in college, I used to train at 5 in the morning and leave at 6:40 for my 7am to 12nn class. I also go to the gym in the afternoon around 5pm to lift some weights”, replied Aljon.

 Aljon already won in several competitions like winning a gold medal in the 2nd Pilipinas beach water polo at Anvaya Cove Resort in Subic, clinching 2 bronze medals and 1 silver medal in Thailand Phuti Anan Water Polo Cup. Back in college, he also won 3 silver medals and 2 bronze medals in UAAP swimming championships.

“For me, our advantages in international competitions are being resourceful, quick, and our passion for ball games like basketball or football that we can use in this kind of game. If we are also good in swimming, we can make good adjustments because this sports has similarities with other kinds of sports”, quipped Aljon. 

“This sport will be more popular here in our country if we can bring home gold medals in South East Asian (SEA) Games because we still haven’t won the gold in water polo. The media can also be of great help to spread awareness about this sport. We in the Philippine water polo team   help in hosting tournaments here in the country like Beach Water Polo and Inter-School Water Polo games. We also help teach children and teens about water polo during Saturdays”, added Aljon.

Aljon also happens to be a television and print ads model. He appeared in several tv commercials that include Revicon. “I can say that I’m not that good compared to other commercial models but yes I tried to act good and play the role of Lukas Lakas as a construction worker. I really did my best and practiced making hallow blocks with the real hallow blocks makers that time before the shoot so that I can blend with them and look legit. It was hard because of the heat and heavy blocks that we have to carry”, said Aljon.

His ambitions in life are to use his talents and skills given by the Lord to be a good role model to others and be a great athlete, artist, or an actor. One of my dreams is also to be with Liza Soberano in a shoot or project. Blessed with good looks, humility, perseverance and talent combined with unceasing faith in God, this lad will definitely reach his dreams in the very near future. 

*Photo courtesy of Turbo Philippines

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com


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