July 2007.  I walked up to one of the best golf pros in Makati Golf Club and talked to the person about training my son, Joaquin to prepare for the local qualifying rounds which would lead up to a slot for the 2008 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships (the "Olympics" of Junior Golf) .

Golf pro says (in my own paraphrase), "Hmmm, San Diego?  If I were you, don't set your hopes too high".  It was obviously short of saying, "you can't do it".  Either that or, "Huwag ka na'ng umasa at baka masaktan ka lang".

I have to be honest.  I was disturbed a bit.  But deep down inside I knew that there was a form of positive defiance brewing in my gut.

As the post title goes, NEVER let them tell you "You Can't Do It!!!".  Dads, Moms,....this goes for us too, NEVER let them tell you "Your son/daughter Can't Do It!!!"

Well, about a year later, here we are on the eve of boarding a plane to San Diego.  It won't be easy because as I said in the prelude post (San Diego Awaits), Oaui may be up against those who are 6 years and 11 months old.  In that category, there is a big difference between a 5 year old like him and another who is on the verge of turning seven.  Driving power is different, pitching more accurate, putting skills more sensitive.

Whatever the outcome is next week, I think we've won already.  Joaquin marches this Sunday behind the Philippine colors with the rest of the kuyas and ates of Team Philippines at Torrey Pines (scene of the historic battle for this year's US Open between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate).

NEVER let them tell you, "You Can't Do It !!!"