Admit it or not, we all liked to play badminton. I even remembered fighting with my classmates on who should use the badminton racket during our P.E classes. ACT, our school, has many talented badminton players like Dominic Ceballos, Dan Ballares, John Jacobe and Mark Cogtas is one of them.
The origin of this badminton career is just out of curiosity. Mark wanted to try what it’s like to play badminton. As time passes, he started to get interested and started to love it and this is where he is right now. Winning a gold medal in the 2017 district meet and participating in the 2017 Milo Olympics and Talisay City Division Meet. He stated that these (mainly him getting a gold medal) were his biggest achievements. It’s like he and the badminton racket were destined to be with each other. He also stated that during the 2017 district meet, he was competing for the gold medal with rival Elvince Gidayawan. They are actually in the same school and it is because they had gathered the most wins to compete for the title. He was very nervous at that time upon competing for the gold medal. I mean, who wouldn’t get nervous? Getting the first place is a very big accomplishment in our lives. Well, just participating in an event is already a big achievement. A stepping stone to higher goals.
He also said that his inspirations are Dominic Ceballos and Dan Ballares. Both of them are also studying at ACT. He is also inspired by Lin Dan, one of the legends in badminton.
Going onto his personal life, he is also well-loved by his family. His parents spend enough time to support him with his craft by playing with him. As a kid, he gets curious and ask questions to his parents. Often, he displays concern to them. He started a small business by selling ice pops because he wanted his father not to go abroad. He is silent in class, but he starts to talk when he is usually with his friends, according to his class adviser, Mrs. Cora Abarias. Mark also managed to excel in some subjects, but sometimes he has a hard time with other subjects. She also stated that he is artistic. He creates unique and creative objects with his ideas especially origami.
If ever you want to play badminton, then you’re in the right time and place. He said that to become a better player, you need:
Training– You can’t become a better player if you lack in training. Training includes a set of exercises that improves your speed (quick feet ladder drills), strength (lunges, squats, leg extensions, leg presses, leg curls, split squat jump, squat jump, shoulder presses and chest presses), flexibility (regular stretching) and endurance (running/jogging). You also need to play to improve your skills.
Inspiration- Being inspired makes you feel energized and motivated to play better just for someone. I mean, we do all have our inspirations, right?
Determination– It’s never wrong to try even though you are not good at particular stuff. With determination, you skills will further improve when you never give up and believe that you can do it.
At a very young age, Mark achieved many things inside and outside of the school like those achievements I mentioned earlier. He had established himself as one of the top players of our school. What started out as a curiosity, turned into a hobby and turned into an actual career for him. We’re proud of you and keep going, Mark Jemzelle Cogtas!
-Jude Francis Tadios
Photos by Tasha Quiachon
Introduction to Journalism
Elective English 8
SY 2017 - 2018
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