Domingo 'Tots' Rico Jr., Pagcor's Sports Idol
We sometimes agree with the song "Impossible Dream" but for "Tots," dream, though impossible as it may seem, becomes possible. Like an unreachable star, Tots was able to make his dream come true. He believes that there is no big dream for a determined, disciplined, courageous and prayerful person.
These are the guiding principles followed by Domingo "Tots" Rico Jr, 16, a taekwondo champion, junior student of Eastern Mindoro College, in attaining his goal-to become an outstanding sportsman. He was named PAGCOR’s Sports Idol in 2005-RPN 9’s TV program aired every Saturday.
"Tots" is the fifth of the seven siblings of Domingo Rico Sr. and Janeth Rico of Kaligtasan, Bongabong Oriental Mindoro. His childhood was spent in Baguio City where he received his basic taekwondo training and elementary education (Grade I-V).
"My innermost desire to defend myself against bullies is the main reason why I enrolled in Taekwondo classes," Tots replied when asked why he chose Taekwondo.
His way up was not as easy as it looked. He almost failed to reach his star when his father met an accident. For a year, Rico Sr. was bedridden and wasn’t able to support his family. Tots was saddened by the situation but because he is naturally good and responsible, he stopped schooling and worked as a carwash boy in Baguio.
Until recently, the family decided to go back to their hometown in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. Rico Jr. never stops helping his family. He attends his classes on weekdays, trains young Taekwondo enthusiasts after classes and works as waiter on weekends. But he never fails to continue his taekwondo trainings.
His potential as Taekwondo player was first seen when he joined PFBR Friendship Game in Baguio City in 1998 and bagged a silver medal. He got his first gold medal in Batang Pinoy at Bacolod City. And he garnered numerous awards during the Palarong Pambansa 2004.
In 2005, the PAGCOR started looking for potential candidates in their Search for Sports Idol. While watching Tots in his Palarong Pambansa performance, the organizers admired him and watched all his games. He was included among the top 20 young sportsmen contending for the title Sports Idol. Among 20 finalists the number was trimmed down to three. Luckily, Domingo was included in the top three and was awarded PAGCOR’s Sports Idol.
He received a PAGCOR trophy, a college educational plan and an opportunity to host the next season of PAGCOR’s Sports Idol. He received various invitations from several sports agency, here and abroad including one from Korea.
Future competitions abroad is what he is preparing for. He hopes that the local government and the community will support him.
He prays for more success.
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