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| Reyes, during his race |
“Natetense ako. Ang
dami ko kalaban. Galing pa sa iba’t ibang lugar. Pero excited ako, isang linggo ako nagprepare para dito eh,” Joshua Miguel Reyes, 18, said as he was sitting
in a foldable chair under a canopy tent while waiting for the announcer to call
out his name. I feel tense. I got a lot of contenders who came from different
places. But I am excited. I prepared for this [competition] for a week now.
Reyes ranked first runner-up in the recently concluded 4x4
Truck Challenge at Brgy. Sto. Cristo San Jose del Monte Bulacan out beating 12
competitors under the small-division category.
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| Reyes poses in front of his big toy. |
He begun his interest for tough truck challenges since he was about 3 or 4. During those times, he would get very excited
whenever he watches off-road challenges joined by his Lolos (grandfathers) in
different provinces. Being a little fella his aunties would
take turns in carrying him to give him a better view of the game.
As one of her aunties, I can still
fondly recall how he would struggle and shout with his shriek voice, “OP-YOD!”
(off-road) and would cheer tirelessly till the day ends.
And whenever he hears the
buzzer, his big round-eyes starts to get fixated with the race, his cheeks rosy
because of the heat of the sun, his smile as wide as it can get. It was an
entertaining scene for us, her titas (aunties),
to see him in that state.
I think it is also safe to say, that he really looks up with his Lolos. He wanted to be like them someday.
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| Reyes assisting his Lolo after the race |
Growing up, everyone would give him toy cars and trucks. He
would then dig holes at their garden, get some stones, pour some water to make
mud, and voila: he has his own race track.
And would you believe that one of his mannerisms involves
chanting a vibrating sound: brrrrooooooooooommmm, repeat ‘till everyone gets
annoyed.
He became an expert of auto-parts. If other kids would
memorize a human body part, Reyes can cite each vehicle part and accessory, as
well as, each one’s purpose.
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| Reyes driving his Lolo's land cruiser |
There is no doubt, that this kid’s first love are 4x4 trucks.
In fact, he had a Monster Jam themed birthday party when he was 7.
At 13, he finally learned how to drive and he got his first mini
truck at 15—a Suzuki Jimny. He spends his weekends with adults, driving their way
up to some mountains and rocky terrains.
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| Reyes during the 4x4 competition |
He started joining professional competitions when he was 16.
And yeah, he would always bring home a trophy.
Now 18, Reyes, never plans to stop. By far, this recent
victory is the highest accolade he bagged for an off-road competition.
If there's something worth sharing about Reyes story, it is being stubborn with your dreams and be brave enough to take risks.
Congrats to our Baby Boy Joshua! Your whole clan is very proud of you.Keep on flying!
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| Reyes approaching the finish line |
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