The legacy of Servillano Aquino Padiz Jr., the father of sepak takraw in the Philippines, is expected to live on through his son, Solomon Padiz.
It was the elder Padiz who brought the sport of sepak takraw in the country which was first introduced in 1981 as one of featured sports in Palarong Pambansa in Tuguegarao, Cagayan.,
in the Phils.
Aside from being the deputy chairman of the International Sepak Takraw Federation, Servillano served in other sports, particularly in arnis as vice president of Arnis Philippines and secretary-general of International Arnis Federation and head of Sports Acrobatics Philippines.
A valedictorian in both elementary and high school, he finished several degrees in college. He had a Certificate of Physical Education from the National College of Physical Education, finished his academic requirement in M.A.P.E at the University of the East, became a PE and School Sports Chief of the Division of City School in Manila in 2002.
He was also MAPEH author for Phoenix Publishing Company and a composer of both the NCR official hymn and the Philippine hymn during the 11th SEAGames in Manila while devoting his time in developing the Philippine sepak takraw sports in both elite and grassroots levels.
The elder Padiz died recently after a lingering illness, and his death was mourned not only by his immediate family, but also by fellow sports officials, players and those who knew him as a kind man and as a passionate sports leader.
Despite the painful loss, his son Solomon vowed to continue his father’s legacy by actively promoting the sport and transform it to a top medal producer in tournaments abroad, particularly in the Southeast Asian region, where the sports originated.,
Solomon, currently the Sports Director of De La Salle University Science and Technology in Canlubang and the president of Laguna Colleges and Universities Athletic Association in South of Manila, is considered as his father’s worthiest successor not only because he was his father’s son, but also because of his credentials and experience as a sports leader.
Aside from his duties in DLSUST-Canlubang, Solomon is currently the Deputy Secretary General of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTF) Referee Committee, a lecturer and a contributing author of the latest Law of Sepak Takraw.
He has also attended and conducted several Refresher’s Course for the sports for local and international events such as the SEAGames, Asian Games, the Asian World Beach Games and Indoor Beach Games.
“It’s a tall order filling the big shoes of my father but I will try my very best to equal or even surpass his great and noble endeavors in this sport he loved so much to continue his legacy alive and kicking just like sepak flying in the air for glory,” Solomon said.
At this juncture ,the NSA of sepak takraw in the olympic family[POC] is led by Gen. Mario Tanchanco who is also set to transfer the baton of the leadership and one potential contender to take the cue is no other than Solomon to keep the flame lit on and those of Servillano’s vision will become a reality for the country.
