Lodlod National High School’s Pride: Dan Patulot

Dan Patulot from Lodlod National High School recently clashed with Bolbok Integrated National High School’s 3-time defending champion, Lance Gamas, and claimed the crown of victory. Patulot, holding the title of 2024 Public Secondary Athletic Meet Table Tennis Champion, will advance to the 2025 Stallion’s League to take place next year.

Patulot started playing table tennis when he was in 5th grade. When asked what his starting point was, he simply answered, “Naaya lang ng tropa”. He trains himself by going to other places. Patulot also said that despite having an advantage of speed, he still needs to improve his smashes.

Being a student athlete may look easy, but it is hard as it seems to be. Patulot’s list of achievements in sports and academics are both good. He earned second place in the Division tournament both in table tennis singles and doubles category while being an honor student. 

Before he was a table tennis champion, he was a first-time finalist who had a top spin skill. When asked about what he was feeling while competing with Lance Gamas, he said that he was nervous because he wanted to win. The only hindrance he saw was the pressure, may it be pressure from the crowd or pressure from himself.

Dan Patulot was a brother before he was a champion. He said that his inspiration is his sibling. Not only did he become a champion in sports when he said that statement. He also became a champion in the hearts of the people.