NVSUan wins 3rd at the World Archery Philippines

NVSUan archer Mark Angelo Aradanas set another record, securing third place in the Olympic round finale of the Under-21 Recurve event at the prestigious World Archery Philippines (WAP), Leg 3 held in Zamboanga City yesterday, Oct. 5.

Competing against 10 participants, including two former Palarong Pambansa gold medalists and two Philippine team archers, Aradanas triumphed over Marikina’s Sean Tanco 7-3 (28-26, 27-27, 27-21, 25-26, 28-23) to secure third place.

“My performance [in] this tournament is bad because I don't have a lot of time to practice, my arms are shaking, I get tired immediately, and my back tension is not responding well,” he shared.

Before the WAP Leg in Zamboanga, he also garnered medals during the WAP Leg in Cebu (Top 3) and WAP Sorsogon (Top 2).

King Archer Aradanas also shared the limelight with former Palarong Pambansa and PRISAA gold medalist Reinzbert Burgos, and Philippine Team archer Girvin Garcia, who clinched first and second places, respectively.

“I didn't expect to win the tournament since I didn't put much effort into training. However, I was happy to have given my best and won the bronze medal,” he continued.

Nueva Vizcaya Archery Club Coach Alexis Raquipo described Aradanas as an obedient, talented athlete.

“Actually, kaya niya yung rank 1 at tsaka rank 2 kaso siguro nagkulang sa training kasi […] mahirap talagang i-balance yung academics at tsaka sport,” Coach Raquipo added.

According to him, Aradanas was consistently at rank 2 and 3 spot in the last 2 Legs of the Grassroots Development Program Tournaments.

In a separate interview with TUG, NVSU Bambang Archery Team Coach Alona Agustin emphasized that ranking through WAP is the way to qualify for national competitions and to join the Philippine Archery Team.

“[Kung] nakapasok ka sa top 3 consistently, may chance na makapasok [ka] sa national team. Pero marami pang tournament na sasalihan para masabi na consistent ka na archer,” she said.

Both coaches emphasized the need for financial support for student-athletes, particularly for their equipment, allowance and travel commodities, to compete in national events.

“Suportahan sana ng SC ng mga students ‘yong ganitong mga competitions kahit sa allowance man lang considering na sa gamit pa lang, ang laki ng investment ng archers sa gamit at sarili nila ‘yon,” Coach Agustin said.

“Maganda nga po sana na merong suporta galing sa school,” added Coach Raquipo. “Maganda rin kung may support ang LGU sa mga athlete ng universities kasi puwedeng maipagmalaki, eh. Kagaya ni Gelo, kaya niyang makipagsabayan sa Philippine Team.”

Aradanas also stressed the importance of university support for student-athletes.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na pondo ay makatutulong hindi lamang sa aking pagsasanay at kompetisyon, kundi pati na rin sa iba pang mga atleta na nangangailangan ng resources para maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap. Ang pag-invest sa kanila ay magbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad at magdadala ng karangalan sa ating unibersidad sa mga national at international na laban,” Aradanas added.

Moreover, Coach Raquipo explained the importance of exposing young athletes to competitions.

“Dapat bata pa lang sila, binibigyan na sila ng pagkakataon na lumaban sa iba’t ibang siyudad, iba’t ibang athletes kasi [doon] sila mas gumagaling. [Doon] sila mas tumatapang. Wala kasing silbi yung talent kung walang tapang. Kailangan, lumalaban,” he said.

Aside from WAP Leg 1 in 2025, Aradanas is preparing for the upcoming SCUAA regional, aiming for a third consecutive archery gold medal for NVSU.

Aradanas received 2 plaques of recognition during the awarding ceremony at 11 AM today for 3rd place in the qualifying round and 3rd place in the Olympic round.

He earned the title “King Archer” after winning gold medals in regional meets during high school. Unfortunately, the recent COVID-19 pandemic denied him to compete in the Palarong Pambansa.

Aradanas was named “Athlete of the Year” after winning 8 golds and leading NVSU to the championship in archery during CaVRASUC 2022.

It can be remembered that he also clinched the bronze medal at the ASEAN Youth Archery International Championship in August 2023 giving honor to Nueva Vizcaya State University.