Cebu’s top shooter Roy Barro bags multiple titles in Manila battleground

CEBU, Philippines —  Exactly three months ago today, Roygbiv “Roy” Barro left his hometown Cebu with a firm decision to stay in Manila for a long time so he could focus more on his career as a practical shooter.

It did not take long for the decorated Cebuano marksman to make good on his promise.

Armed with discipline, determination and unbridled passion in his craft, Barro hauled multiple titles laced with several runner-up trophies in a total of 10 tournaments he joined since July.

“I just honored what I promised myself in staying in Manila for a longer period than I usually do in the past,” said Barro, who is a member of the elite Laguna-Practical Shooters Group (LAG-PSG). “It’s also my way of living up to the challenge I gave myself, that I have to face whatever trials knowing that the road ahead for me is not going to be easy.”

“I want to make sure that each time I go back home, I am fulfilled and gratified in the sense that I have made a lot of improvements with the all the efforts and sacrifices I’ve made,” he added.

Barro, who was honored in last year’s Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) Annual Awards, started his string of victories on July 18 when he placed Top 3 overall in the Tri-President Cup ruled by Bro Tecson, who is revered as  Southeast Asia’s king in standard division.

And the 21-year-old Barro, who is also a football varsity player of De La Salle University (DLSU), only gets better from there.

Six days later, he reigned supreme in a shootfest in Bacolor, Pampanga. He went on to collect his other championship trophies in Plaridel, Bulacan last August 15 and in Meycauayan City also in Bulacan last August 28.

Just a week ago, the eagle-eyed Barro added feather on his cap when he came out as overall champion in an event in Dasmariñas, Cavite last September 11.

Barro also took first-runner honors in Lingayen, Pangasinan (August 1), in Malvar, Batangas (August 21), in Batangas City  (August 22), and in Dasmariñas (August 29). He wound up third overall in Batangas (August 8) to spice up his hot charge.

“I’m highly motivated in every competition knowing that I trained hard for it,” said Barro. “I always give my best effort, time and focus in everything I do. There are times when I feel tired and exhausted but I have to push myself to the limit so I can fulfill my promise to God and my family and at the same time produce good results to my fellow Cebuanos.”

”I am driven by my determination to win, desire to improve day by day, and the thought of giving glory to God and to all Cebuanos,” Barro furthered.

“For what I have achieved, I am thankful to all members of LAG-PSG for helping me along the way. Special thanks too to Bro Tecson, Pible Genesis, and Paolo Tenorio for assessing my performances, which is a big help to me, and to my family and friends who are always there to support me and of course to God, who always answers my prayers and requests whenever I pray to Him.”

Barro said his most recent success only inspires him to strive even harder to achieve his goals and aspirations in life.

“I want to be part of the Philippine Team someday and compete against the top shooters in the whole world with the best of best shooters in the Philippines side by side in my division. That’s my ultimate goal,” Barro shared.

“Honestly at this point, I still have a lot to learn and work on. It’s going to be daunting task  but I must bear and endure every circumstance to attain success I’ve been dreaming of.”