Totoy Bibo

It was around ten years ago when I started playing badminton. We were in Club Filipino that day and my dad asked one of the trainers available there to teach me the basics of the sport. Little did I know that these basic skills would be the foundation that I use in tournaments today. This is all thanks to the one trainer that day, Rodolfo Estuaria.

Just Totoy

Totoy (left) and Me (right)

Rodolfo, or most often called Totoy, is a very friendly guy. He gets along very well with the members of Club Filipino and his fellow co-workers. He has a good sense of humor that makes him lovable as a trainer and as a friend. He often jokes around during games and it makes the match a fun but not necessarily easy one. He still brings his game even though he is smiling and laughing. Totoy also works hard. With lots of members around and with only two courts available, he is able to cater to them and take care of his premises, namely the pelota (racquetball) and badminton courts.

The Early Years

Totoy entered Club Filipino nineteen years ago as a trainer and attendant for the tennis courts of Club Filipino located nearby in North Green Hills. When Club Filipino gave up those courts, he transferred to badminton. “Natulak ako ng mga katrabaho ko. Masaya naman at kaya ko naman daw yung trabaho.” (My co-workers encouraged me. They said that it would be fun and that I could do the job.) he said. He didn’t find it too difficult to shift from tennis to badminton even though most people find that hard to do. “Kaunting bago lang sa footwork at palo.” (Just a little adjustment in footwork and stroke.) he told me. “Madali naman akong naka-adapt.” (It was easy for me to adapt.) he added. Although it was easy for him to learn the sport, it was hard to get the job. Almost ten people were fighting for that one slot available. Thanks to the members whom he had befriended and his friendly attitude, Totoy was chosen for the job. “Marami kasi akong kilalang member dati. Ayun, kaya napili ako.” (I knew a lot of members during that time and that’s why I was chosen for the job.) he said.

Pelota Court in Club Filipino

Being the trainer and attendant for the badminton courts and the pelota (racquetball) courts was not an easy job for Totoy. He also took care of the billiards table and the table tennis courts that used to be in his area of responsibility. At no point during the day would there empty courts at the badminton area. Members would be organized, waiting for their turn to play. Totoy would be in charge of settling the matchups everyday for the members. “Parang mini-tournament araw-araw.” (It’s like a mini-tournament everyday.) he said. Despite all the work, Totoy enjoyed his job very much because of the members around whom he played with. He never complained about the work. “Kahit mahirap, masaya naman yung trabaho dahil sa mga miyembro.” (Even though work is hard, it is fun because of the members.) he said to me.

Present Day

Badminton Courts in Club Filipino

Nowadays, Totoy is still in charge of the badminton and pelota (racquetball) courts. The billiard table and the table tennis courts were removed. He is still the trainer and attendant for the two racquet sports in Club Filipino. Although there are less people playing in Club Filipino nowadays, there are still a lot of members who play regularly. They usually play in groups. “Marami pa naman tao na naglalaro pero hindi kagaya noon.” (There are still a lot people who still play but not as much as before.) he said. “Masmadali trabaho.” (It makes my job easier.) he added with a laugh.

Now in his mid-forties, Totoy only works during his shifts. He has shifts during Monday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. He has two students in badminton and two students in pelota (racquetball). They all train regularly and are taught the basics of their respective sports. Totoy also plays games with the members when he is invited to play. “Kapag kulang sila, naglalaro ako. Minsan, sinasama lang ako.” (If there aren’t enough players, I get invited to play. Other times, I’m just invited.) he told me. He still plays well despite his age. He has a deceptive stroke that makes it hard for the opponent to read. He credits that to his years in tennis.

Motivation

I asked Totoy what still drives him and what is it about Club Filipino that he loves and makes him stay. He answered “Benepisyo at yung mga miyembro.” (The benefits and the members.) He is happy with the benefits given to him by Club Filipino and that includes the meals and snacks provided for the staff. He also enjoys the staff parties and the bonuses that he receives during holidays. However, the thing he enjoys most are the members. These are the people who make him happy and make it fun to go to work everyday. He loves to talk to the members and watch them have fun during the games. He finds happiness in his work through the members.

Almost every week, I still see Totoy whenever I play badminton in Club Filipino. He still never fails to make a game fun for me. I hope he continues to teach people what he knows and to put smiles on the faces of all the players in Club Filipino. Thank you Totoy! See you around!