Wheelchair racer and Team Philippines flag bearer Jerrold Mangliwan shares why he continues to compete at the ASEAN Para Games. It's not for himself. He wants more PWDs to embrace what they have and show what they've got.
At 46, Jerrold Mangliwan has been through most of the major para athletics events for the Philippines.
He's a three-time Paralympian, having competed in Brazil, Japan, and France.
He's a gold medalist in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
He's a six-time gold medalist in the ASEAN Para Games.
And yet, he still feels plenty of pressure as he aims to defend his 400m T52 gold medal on Wednesday, January 21. It's one of his three events in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
"Kinakabahan pa rin naman ako doon sa pagkakataon. Actually, hindi ako makatulog kung ano yung gagawin ko," he admitted to One Sports/Cignal before he led Team Philippines as flag bearer in the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
"Pero, darating naman yan bukas. Inisip ko na lang na back to the old days."
He's feeling upbeat about their preparation. And it's what he's sharing to the younger teammates as well.
The Philippines sent 323 delegates, including 212 athletes to the multi-sporting event. It's their biggest yet.
"Do your best. Pinaghandaan naman natin ito. Pagtiwala lang doon sa sarili. And of course, kung ano man yung pinaghandaan natin sa training, labas na natin dito. Kasi yung pagkakataon na ito, hindi po palagi na ibibigay. So, huwag nang sayangin. Of course, enjoy, enjoy. Be proud to represent the country," he shared.
There's plenty of momentum for Team Philippines, with its best finish of fifth place in the 2023 Cambodia edition. They took 34 gold medals, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes.
Jerrold in particular has been hauling medals in the Para Games since 2015. And he wants to keep going as long as he can.
"Sa akin lang, habang kaya pa naman. Kumbaga, meron pang mapipiga sa aking strength. Keep on moving lang."
But it's not about glory for himself. Or getting more medals. Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan finds his drive to compete not for himself.
"Sana yung development pa ng para sports sa atin. Sana magkaroon pa ng diin para sa aming movement," he said. "Sana magkaroon pa kami na maraming mahikayat na mga Pilipino, lalo yungmga kapatid natin na may kapansanan."
"Para sa aming sector, I want to be... maging inspiration din sa kanila."
His mindset is simple. Accept what he has. And keep on going. The wheelchair helps too.
"Ang disability po is nakadikit na po sa atin. Ang masasabi ko lang, huwag po tayong mahiya," he said. "Kasi maraming medyo shy sila na ipakita yung kalagayan. Huwag po tayong mahiya, lumabas lang po tayo sa ating comfort zone."
"And try to show kung anong meron po tayo, kahit anong larangang ano yan. Pakita natin kung anong kakayanan natin. Kasi meron din tayong puwang sa mundo eh."
Mangliwan will start his 13th ASEAN Para Games this Wednesday by aiming to defend his 400m T52 gold medal. This is available to watch via livestream on the Pilipinas Live app.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Philippines at 13th ASEAN Para Games]
(With reports from Denisse Valdesancho/Cignal)
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.