The World (Cup) awaits red-hot Biboy

MANILA, Philippines - Not a few heads were shaking in awe on the penultimate day of the country’s Bowling World Cup qualifiers at Paeng’s Midtown Bowl in Robinsons Place Manila recently.

They were witnessing a master class.

National team kegler Engelberto “Biboy” Rivera, running a strong fifth among 32 remaining contenders, bowled a scorching 251.9 12-game average for the day – closing with a 279 that he then followed up with a perfect game.

It was the 40th of his career – the most for any Filipino bowler. The feat was made even sweeter because it was his first 300 witnessed by his parents George and Ofelia Rivera.

“They seldom watch my games, yet they’re incredibly supportive. When I lose, they just say bawi na lang (let’s get back) next time,” Rivera said in an exclusive interview with The STAR.

Ever the perfectionist though, even after finding himself on top by a commanding 245 pins over second-running Paulo Valdez, Biboy remained critical.

“Coming from a disappointing performance at Munich, it was certainly a welcome feeling,” he said. Rivera was referring to the World Men’s Championships held in August at Unterföhring near Munich, Germany. With a record turnout of 65 represented countries, the meet was nonetheless dominated by veterans of the US PBA circuit, and the Filipinos came home empty handed.

Two nights before the first day of the nationals, Rivera was practicing at Coronado in Starmall, Mandaluyong. He was trying to shake off the funk. “I felt good after that,” he said. “I started to regain my feel.”

Rivera obtained a BS Tourism degree at the University of Santo Tomas in 1996, and is a candidate for a Masters in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School.

He is a member of the Tenpin Bowlers Association of Makati, and is affiliated with the Prima Team of bowling godfather Alex Lim. Rivera has participated in no less than 80 international tournaments – reaping a harvest of championships that have added to his legend. Presently, none of his achievements is bigger than his 2006 gold at the World Championships in Busan, Korea.

For a bowler of his caliber, experience, and haul of championships, it’s a bit of a surprise that this is Rivera’s first crack at the World Cup. He got agonizingly close in 2008 to represent the country as he was seeded first – only to be beaten twice by lefty and former RP team standout Jeff Carabeo.

What spelled the difference this year was Rivera’s focus.

“Mentally, I was more at ease because they oiled the lanes after the step ladder matches – which was better than having them oiled in one go as they did two years ago,” he said. “I was able to focus on my execution which, in turn, made me more confident on the lanes.”

Indeed, this confidence shone through on the last day of the World Cup qualifier when Rivera beat Valdez, 2-0 (243-235, 269-175), after the latter subdued former RP team member Joonee Gatchalian, who came in second after the final eight-game stretch at SM Mall of Asia.

As Rivera and lady representative Apple Posadas head off to scenic Toulon, France to compete in the Oct. 15-23 event, they bring with them the hopes of a country aching to relive its renowned dominance in the sport.