HOW BONG COO DROPPED THE BALL IN BANGKOK

With rock-solid determination, a never-say-never fighting spirit and self-discipline, Bong Coo has achieved what no other Filipino lady bowler has even attempted to.

Active in the sport for the past 30 years and as member of the Philippine National Bowling Team, Bong has earned a total of 77 international medals – broken down into 37 gold, 26 silver and 17 bronze – an unsurpassed feat by any athlete representing the country in competitions worldwide. She won the prestigious Bowling World Cup on her first try in 1979 with a record score that still stands to date and other 107 national and International Masters titles.

In recognition of her achievements, Bong was named Athlete of the Year in 1983 and 1986, and Athlete of the Millennium by the Philippine Sportswriters. She is the only sportswoman included in the sterling list of the Philippines One Hundred Women of the Century and was proclaimed one of the Ten Outstanding Women for the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) for the service she has rendered to the country by promoting peace and goodwill.

From foreign shores, more laurels and honors have come her way. She was chosen the World Bowler of the Year in 1986 by the World Bowling Writers, an association of over 300 sportswriters from 40 countries, and was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Olympic Committee for her promotion and contribution to the advancement of women in sports. She was granted the distinct privilege to be the first and only female Philippine athlete to be enshrined at the World Bowling Writers International Bowling Hall of Fame – along with four-time World Cup champion Paeng Nepomuceno – in St. Louis, Missouri and the first-ever Filipino athlete to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records.

In addition to operating a bowling center and running a thriving sportswear business called Bong Coo Sports Inc., she teaches physical education at a number of universities in Metro Manila.

Once a young bride at 17, Bong confesses that she only turned to bowling when she became a single mom at the age of 20 to two sons, Edward and Edelbert, as a form of therapy.

"I only cry when I win, every time I stand on the dais, when they play the Philippine National Anthem as our flag is raised above the others," she admits.

What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

Like most Filipinos, my first trip abroad was to Hong Kong. Though Manila had its share of department stores – and let’s not forget bargain centers such as Divisoria and Central Market – this was way before the days of the popular malls, tiangges and the unique bazaars that usually crop up in preparation for Christmas. So what do I remember most of my first trip? The shopping – entire days and nights – when we visited all sorts of stores and shops, bazaars and boutiques, stalls and stands, emporiums, malls and markets. I recall we even invaded retail outlets and raided warehouses. As the saying goes, we shopped till we dropped.

What won’t you leave home without?

My list of various must-bring items keeps on changing through the years. These days it’s my cellular phone, an accessory that has simplified life in so many ways.

Other than a member of the family, who would you like to be seated next to on a flight?

Since I do not talk much on a flight nor readily encourage strangers to share their life story in one sitting, I am not at all choosy on who sits next to me – as long they don’t snore when asleep.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

For leisure, I have a group of friends who are absolutely fun to be with. For competitions and exhibition games, I travel with my coach.

Name your favorite city abroad.

Bangkok for it’s been so good to me. It is the place where I have been lucky and blessed to have played exceptionally well and in the process won several, hard-earned unforgettable tournaments. Besides being a sentimental choice, I love everything it offers – the arts and culture, temples and palaces, tourist attractions and bargain shopping, orchids and fruits. Have I mentioned Thai food? Oh, I could go on and on.

What is the very first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel?

I automatically draw the drapes and check the view. Once I vaguely know where I’m at, I contact the housekeeping department and request for extra pillows. I am asthmatic and to be able to sleep soundly and rest well, I usually need more pillows.

What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?

Drop by a church. It’s a ritual I always follow. Let me tell you why. You must have heard of the belief that if you visit a church for the very first time, all you need is to pray hard, make three wishes and everything will come your way. So on my first trip to Bangkok, I looked for a church, prayed with all my heart and wished for gold three times. True enough, I won three gold medals during the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok. God is indeed awesome.

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite museum?

The National Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. The massive complex houses thousands of bowling memorabilia including interesting records that traces the history of the sport from its beginnings to today. And of course, ehem, because that’s where my photo is displayed along the other members of the International Bowling Hall of Fame.

What do you miss most when your’re away from home?

Playing with my 10 doggies – five male poodles, one bischon frisse and four pups from both breeds.

What is the best travel advice you were given?

Always travel in style.

Describe your most memorable trip.

After being a runner-up in the national bowling tryouts for five years, I finally got to represent the Philippines for the World Cup. The venue was Bangkok, the year was 1979. During my first swing-the ball practice, I somehow dropped it behind me and unexpectedly rolled towards the gallery. Everyone was surprised. I was shocked and totally embarrassed. Luckily however, I redeemed myself by winning the prestigious tournament – previous champions include Paeng Nepomuceno and Lita de la Rosa – with a world record of three games finale: 649 points using a hard rubber ball. Having won my first World Cup title, orchids and more orchids were sent to the hotel where I was billeted. I have never seen so many fresh flowers in one room. Oh, it was my moment in time. It was simply wow!

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

I remember going through several side streets and seemingly never-ending dark alleys of Tokyo on foot, just to try the Kamameshi rice and Yakitori in one of those not-so-easy-to-find hole-on-the-wall restaurants. It felt like an expedition but it sure was worth every step of the way.

Who would you like to bump into – dead or alive – during one of your travels?

Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Among the dead – no other than the king himself, Elvis Presley.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would love to participate in.

The riotous carnival in Rio de Janeiro. I want to personally experience the sensation of wearing a topless costume while having great fun dancing in the wide streets of the city.

If I had more time I would…

Diligently pursue lessons on Chinese painting. I attended such classes when I suffered tendonitis of the wrist. I got as far as doing the flowers. Then thank God I recovered and started to compete again so I never got to do the horses which is an ambition of mine.

Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you would do upon returning home?

Lie in bed and play with my favorite dog – an apricot-colored poodle Mad Maxee.

Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.

I have always dreamt of romantic Venice – moonlit nights and music, intriguing canals and gondolas.