As a semi-proficient bowler myself, I found the announcement that the Federation International des Quilleurs (aka FIQ, or International Bowling Federation) move to Singapore quite notable:

The world governing body for bowling… will soon move its headquarters from the Philippines to Singapore.

This was confirmed by Jessie Phua, who recently assumed the presidency of FIQ. She is the first Singaporean to head a world sports body.

Surely the FIQ’s original, Philippine-based location (it was in Pasig City) had something to do with Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno and Bong Coo’s success (pictured above left and right respectively). They both accomplished a lot in the last four decades, earning accolades and adulation from the international bowling community. And of course from their fellow countrymen.

No Filipino—or no man for that matter—have lived up to the standards established by Paeng by Bong. Still, I can’t help but wonder if the FIQ move is yet another sign that the Philippines is no longer as prominent in bowling as it was during Mr. Nepomuceno’s heyday.

Once upon a time, other countries would figuratively quake in fear when they found out that the Philippine bowling team was joining the competition (or so the anecdote I heard goes). Such admiration apparently no longer exists today. Any Filipino reading this, mourn with me!

Paeng Nepomuceno
Bong Coo