MANILA, Philippines - When Eduardo Buenavista first burst into the national sporting scene in 1999, many had no idea who he was or what he could really do. A simple barrio lad from South Cotabato with no formal sports training yet whose athletic abilities have been strongly apparent at a young age, Buenavista’s early beginnings as a runner are filled with obstacles struggles which he eventually surpassed with his keen perseverance -- a revelation that ultimately established the makings of a true marathon champion.
At 15, Buenavista’s love for running earned the admiration of his peers and officials at Sto. Niño National High School. Fondly nicknamed Vertek by childhood friends because he overtakes” them when running, Buenavista has since then become the school’s top bet in various track meets.
Even with limited means, Vertek said he never regarded these as unattainable obstacles. “Training drills then meant running along the open fields, across mountains. I have no training shoes, even the proper attire or other special equipment and training facility. I grew up eating simple food, like boiled camote tops. At that time, my family and I had to make the most of what we had,” he relates.
This warrior spirit showed as Buenavista’s brilliant performance outclassed fellow amateur competitors when he broke four records and bagged the gold medal at the 1997 Palarong Pambansa held in Camarines Sur. This win qualified him to join Team Cotabato in 1998 under the junior category for long distance running, and a year after, as official member of the Philippine Team.
Apart from winning many road races in the Philippines, including distance races in previous Southeast Asian Games, Buenavista, now 32, is still keen on proving himself up to the task. The two-time Olympian, along with other national team members, recently underwent intensive training and tune-up competitions for the Jakarta SEA Games on Nov. 11.
Providing Buenavista that perfect winning advantage is Brooks, a leading high-performance footwear and sporting apparel brand in the US. The brand’s solid sponsorship, he says, makes him more than prepared to perform his battle plan at the SEA Games.
Ready to face the challenge with the aid of his training essentials, the new Brooks PureProject collection (a new line of footwear that promotes natural motion and a unique running experience in a lightweight package), Buenavista is assured of smooth, ease-free strides as he goes the extra mile.
Via PureProject’s dynamic DNA materials such as custom cushioning features, perfect fit and efficient flexibility, Brooks has created a pro-active approach to biomechanical technology designed to make the runner perform better and effortlessly.
According to head coach Mario Castro, Buenavista’s mentor and friend, he noticed the Buenavista’s innate humility, as well as his discipline and enthusiasm when he was still a budding track and field athlete.
“Ed is very passionate about running; he loves to challenge himself as he goes all out in every competition. He is an exceptional athlete and is a very inspirational sports hero,” Castro notes.
Brooks is exclusively distributed by Sports Resources, Inc. and available in different shopping malls nationwide. For more information, visit www.brooksrunning.com.ph or call 651-7777 or 651-7744 local 845.