DAVAO DEL Norte – Commitment, resilience and passion for the game shot a former “Pulot Boy” (ball boy) to the commercial world of lawn tennis.
Babolat, a famous French tennis equipment company, signed in 17-year old boy Gilbert “Kiwi” Paylado Jr. for sponsorship of the company, after his exemplary performance during the 1st AGR Tennis Tournament at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.
Kiwi only settled for 3rd place in the overall standing but his standout play in the court earned the admiration of First District Congressman Anthony del Rosario.
The representative endorsed him for sponsorship of Babolat, which strings and tennis racquets are used by popular players all over the world.
Babolat Manila Coordinator Archie Pangilinan readily approved the endorsement from the congressman and immediately sent a tennis racket, signifying the company’s acknowledgement of getting Paylado as their commercial player.
Kiwi’s love for the sport began ten year ago not as a hobby, but out of necessity.
Kiwi started off as a ball boy in a nearby tennis court to help his parents to sustain their needs.
“Naa ko’y 80 sa isa ka-buntagan. Dako na ug tabang kay makapalit nami’g bugas” Gilbert said.
Kiwi was eight years old and a grade two pupil then when he started playing lawn tennis for Magugpo Pilot Central Elementary School (MPCES).
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