Golden boy

Olympic gold medalist Gab Moreno talks about keeping calm under pressure, EDM, and the secret to success.

MANILA, Philippines - Up close, you can tell that Gab Moreno is only 16 — it’s the mild and timid manner in which he speaks, the baby ‘stache, and the Archie-esque coiffure. Not to mention, the chaperone in the form of proud father Frederico.

What sets him apart from most of his peers at La Salle Greenhills, however, is the fact that, besides being the flag-bearer at the recent youth Olympic games in Nanjing, China, he is also the first ever Filipino to bag the country an Olympic gold medal — in the sport of archery, no less. He is literally a green archer.

From the onset, perhaps there was nothing in the stars that screamed ordinary, or anything close to it. Besides the athletic will and stamina (he says that archery is 95 percent brains and five percent physical fitness), he is also a proud grandson to Kuya Germs, Master Showman of local showbiz. But between being honored by the Senate, the countless interviews (he had one for GMA immediately after our slot), and balancing archery, school work, and being a normal teenager, it seems that Gab is becoming a living, breathing example of his lolo’s very own catchphrase, “Walang tulugan!”

As lineage is now a thing of the past in an age when it is about what you can do and not who you are, Gab has certainly provenw himself, holding his own ground both in the local and international arena, and doing his country proud.

YOUNG STAR: What was it like representing the Philippines in the youth Olympics?

GAB MORENO: Well, it’s very heartwarming. I feel so proud that I got to represent the Philippines in a big event. It can also cause pressure. But I’m a person who uses pressure to motivate myself.

You were the flag-bearer, right? What was that like?

I felt pressured because as a flag-bearer, they expect something from you for the games. I just did my best and enjoyed it.

What’s it like having Kuya Germs as your lolo?

I’m very lucky. I’m very grateful to everything that he’s done for me. He’s been supporting me all the way since day one.

What’s the best thing he’s taught you?

To always be humble and to always know your roots. To be well-grounded and hardworking. He’s, like, 80-plus and he still works compared to other people his age.

Walk me through the experience of being at the Olympics.

You meet a lot of people from different countries and they’re all very friendly. When you go there, the feeling is so different. Everyone is so happy. Everyone wants to make friends even if your countries aren’t allies.

Did you guys talk about normal stuff?

We get to spend time together after each practice. It’s very fun. We play cards and listen to music. Everyone’s happy.

What are you guys listening to these days?

EDM.

No Ariana Grande or Bieber?

No. (Laughs) I don’t think Botswana people listen to that stuff.

Now that you’re back in school, do they treat you any differently since you’re an Olympic gold medalist?

Sometimes. But I’m still a teenager. I’m still Gab.

People work all their lives for the gold. That’s why there’s this thing called “go for gold.” But you’ve bagged it, so what’s next?

I won’t stop. I’ll still be competing. I’m going to join the Rio qualifiers next year so I can win a slot at the Rio Olympics.

What advice can you give young Filipino athletes out there?

Just go for your dreams. Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t stop training. It’s all worth it!

Photos by JOSEPH PASCUAL, Shot at the SAMPAGUITA GARDENS (For inquiries, call 475-7053) Special thanks to ELIZABETH and JM NAKPIL