IN HIS FIRST international stint, San Beda Red Netters rookie, Jason Caminting, brought home silver in the International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF) World Tour International Soft Tennis Championships 2024 held last September 17-23 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. 

Caminting was part of the Philippine delegation that won three gold, four silver, and one bronze medal in the week-long tourney. 

  In an interview with The Bedan, he revealed that it was his “first time” competing internationally and their preparation was only under two days—leading Caminting to be “pushed into new heights of spontaneity.” 

He also highlighted that his main obstacle was the “culture shock,” saying “syempre, baguhan, na-culture shock po ako na ‘ay, ganito pala kapag international game.’” 

“So paano ko mas ie-execute nang maayos ‘yung game ko, kasi grabe mga bansa po talaga na… parang hindi po sila napapagod,” he added. 

Reflecting on his career, Caminting narrated how he originally played lawn tennis when he was still “in grade two.” 

The passion and skill were further heightened during the pandemic when Princess Catindig, a two-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Tennis 2024 and San Beda University (SBU) alumna, introduced him to soft tennis that paved the way for his entry to the Red Netters. 

His journey to the Thailand tournament was also made possible through the help of Katindig, who requested monetary support from their city in Santa Rosa, Laguna which helped sponsor his travel abroad. 

  With this win, Caminting remains “even more motivated” to suit up once again for the Philippines should there be future international competitions. “[Kapag] ‘yung nasa likod ng [damit mo ay] Philippines talaga, ibibigay mo lahat ‘yung best mo… Nandito ka na eh, so bakit ‘di mo pa gawin yung best mo.”  

  Finally, he expressed his “gratitude to the support of the Bedan community,” saying “Thank you, for recognizing my wins internationally.” Accordingly, he hopes for greater success in future competitions.  

“I hope champion naman ‘yung makuha natin soon [sa] international, with the national team and to the Philippines,” he expressed. 

(with Nityananda Dasi)