Words by Adiel Sam De Jesus
At the age of 14, Janus De Guzman has fulfilled a lot of an old man’s dream already. He has won numerous competitions in various fields while the complicated and a “big man’s world” of bowling had become his own little playground at the young juncture of his career.
As a high school sophomore student, he already conquered different heights including his 2nd runner up finish in the recently concluded Ernesto ‘Toti’ Lopa Memorial Cup at the close of the 42nd Philippine International Open Championships, which has a 40-man delegation with a combination of experienced and professional players, and young guns. He finished as the top seed after 10 games to enter the 8-man match play stage, where he scored 2252 pinfalls in 10 games.
To earn his prized finish, De Guzman trounced Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) President Dr. Ronnie Mendoza at 263-154 and donated his entire winnings (worth P10,000) to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. His little act of kindness will fulfill St. John Baptist de La Salle’s mission and will surely make a difference to the lives of the survivors displaced in the cities of Visayas.
De Guzman was also declared Champion in the 11th Alabang Tenpin Bowling Association (ATBA) 2013 Open Championships-Mixed Associates Division. He was one of the youngest among the contenders and such a great and memorable experience for Winning His First Open Championships at this tender age.
Well balanced kid
Janus currently studies at De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) where he makes waves not only in sports but in the field of singing and dancing as well. He is also actively training for DLSZ PEP Squad. In the line of sports, he has won numerous bowling competitions while also playing badminton. Back in his elementary days, he also held the presidential spot of St. Mary Academy’s (Pasay City) Aikido club.
Apart from his sporty world, Janus also does something related to technology. This kid also knows how to use software relating to architectural house plan layout.
At this age, a normal child may be hanging out with friends and playing around with senseless things but you can set Janus apart from the stereotypes of a 14-year old boy.
On the same stage, he already has nine top finishes under his name not to mention second and third place ranks. Outside his bowling ability, he also has a 1st Place rank during his school’s Parade of Scientists back in his elementary days.
De Guzman got his first bowling award at the age of 10 where he almost completely ruled the Milo-SM Bowling Program at SM Megamall. He ended up at 1st runner-up in the said event.
The year after, he finally ruled the said event after being hailed as Champion, his first, and awarded the Male High Game which was held at SM North EDSA.
The kid with many talents in him continued his brilliance and went on to conquer bigger leagues available for his enjoyment. With a lot more years ahead of him, Janus is set to make his name bigger in all his fields.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT BOWLING THAT HE FEELS IN LOVE WITH?
He finds bowling a unique and challenging game. It is a physical and mental game that he can have fun with his family and friends in all kinds of seasons and until their senior years.
Bowling had challenged his concentration and confidence. To achieve a perfect 300 game, he has to aim and roll to the target for a successful pocket with a single strong strike ball in the 60-foot lane for 12 consecutive times.
WHAT IS HIS ULTIMATE GOAL?
Many kids dream of playing like their favorite sports stars. For Janz, he wants to be the Youngest World Cup Champion in bowling, to surpass or break the record of his idol Mr. Paeng Nepomuceno.
HOW OFTEN DOES HE PRACTICE? WHEN AND WHERE?
Still, Janz prioritized his studies and school activities. He practiced every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday. On Sunday, he usually practices for 3 hours and plays games together with his Manila Tenpin Bowlers Association (MTBA) Youth teammates at the Paeng’s Midtown Bowling Center, Robinson’s Place, Ermita, Manila. During the vacation break, he trained three (3) times a week apart from Sunday with his teammates
Though the sports of Bowling is not in the UAAP, the league where La Salle gives much focus at, Janus could still give a new flavor to the Lasallian brand of sports excellence, something that his mom Raquel (Macaraig- de Guzman) and dad Joseph is so proud of.
Maybe it will be too early to foresee, but Lasallians could be just years away from seeing another top Lasallian Bowler just like fellow La Sallite, Paeng Nepomuceno.
Postcript:
From Janus De Guzman.
I am currently 22 years of age (2021). For almost 4 years I can confidently say that I’ve finally finished college, currently awaiting graduation next year (2022) as I took Bachelors of Science in Interior Design; in the School of Design and Arts (SDA), of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
Bowling has always been part of my life for more than a decade. Up until I was in my Freshman up to my Sophomore Year, I had one of my dreams fulfilled and was glorified at the same time, as I’m thankful to be part of the Philippine Team during that time. Soon when I was finished being part of the Philippine team, training and competing was a bit of a challenge when I was in my Junior Year of college, since there were a lot more academic responsibilities that need to be addressed first. Then, unfortunately, all forms of training and competition in regards to bowling came to an abrupt halt when the rise of the unexpected outbreak of COVID-19 occurred. This is when had more time and the chance to focus on the last few terms in college.
With the ongoing pandemic, I’ve utilized the opportunity to sharpen my skills with what I’ve learned in the Interior Design Course, actively working part-time online, through different freelance design services in line with Interior Design. Seeing myself long term, in hopes several restrictions would be uplifted, that I would start training and competing again in and out of the country at the same time reviewing for the Interior Design Board exam – that I would hopefully earn and be granted a license and a title of an official Interior Designer in the country.