Bowling blues

He longs for the day when the pandemic ends so he can finally go out and help the country regain its lofty position in the sport

Paeng Nepomuceno said he has not gone out of their house since the country was placed under quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 63- year- old bowling legend is not taking chances, but is happy to report that another center has reopened, bringing to four the number of playing venues available for bowlers in Luzon.

The Paeng’s Eastwood Bowl resumed operations on Saturday in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.

As part of safety protocols, only 10 of the 20 lanes will be used at any time, meaning that bowlers are separated by one lane.

Only one player is allowed to use one lane and social distancing will be strictly enforced, according to Paeng.

The long months of inactivity will have a profound effect on our national bowlers.

The first bowling facility was reopened about three months ago in Baguio. Another two went operational in Alabang, Muntinlupa and Banawe, Quezon City.

At the time the country is slowly moving into some semblance of normalcy, the resumption of bowling activities is a big step toward that goal.

Bowling’s popularity has waned through the years and so does the country’s performance in international competitions.

Paeng, a six-time World Cup champion, grudgingly admits that the pool of bowlers is growing smaller.

However, Paeng said steps have been taken to address the dwindling number of bowlers and the country’s poor showing overseas, particularly in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Now acting as adviser, Paeng said the national team was already formed when the pandemic struck.

As a result, national bowlers are limited to strength and conditioning while waiting for the pandemic to end.

The long months of inactivity will have a profound effect on our national bowlers.

The good thing is: Our SEA neighbors are on the same boat.

The reopening of the bowling center at Eastwood will enable our bowlers to get their feet wet.

The same is true for recreational bowlers who want to get a good workout among friends.

Bowling remains out of reach for the ordinary Filipino.

One game, which consists 10 frames, will set you back around P150. To get full enjoyment, a minimum of three games is recommended.

If one becomes a serious competitor, the expenses shoot up. A ball used in competition easily costs about P9,000 and one has to have at least three.

Those who competed in SEA Games have at least six balls at their disposal.

The trouble is: The ball has a short lifespan, about 100 games.

Even when not in use, the ball gets broken if not placed in the right storage room.

Paeng said two of his bowling balls have developed cracks.

But it is the least of his concerns at the moment.

He longs for the day when the pandemic ends so he can finally go out and help the country regain its lofty position in the sport.