Former Philippine Lawn Tennis Association regional vice president Fernando “Bong” Arguelles passed away Friday at his home in Homesite, Bacolod City.
The 56-year-old Arguelles left behind a legacy of developing potential tennis athletes from Bacolod through grassroots tournaments.
“Bong succumbed to heart failure five days ago wearing a tennis jacket in his death bed,” Philippine Weightlifting Association president and former Bacolod congressman and mayor Monico Puentevella said.
He said that Arguelles, married to the former Ruth Ann Hofileña Maravilla, has inspired many young kids as he worked for Philta’s development program.
“He spearheaded the Palawan Pawnshop successful national tennis grassroots program, he amazed us with his quest to produce more talented potentials including his son, JR,” Puentevella said.
Arguelles’ son, Fernando Jose also known as JR, played for De La Salle Manila as a scholar and recently, graduated as an aspiring accountant.
“JR also grew up and rallied with World No. 2 Juniors Champion Alex Eala, our international star rising in the horizon,” Puentevella added.
There was an outpouring of emotions on social media as the news of Arguelles’ passing reached the tennis community during the weekend.
Former University of the East men’s lawn tennis varsity June Paulo Lyrec Baran of La Carlota City considered Arguelles as his mentor.
“You saw more than I thought I was capable of, more than I thought I could ever hope to accomplish and achieve during my age group and collegiate days. You have helped raise my expectations and dreams beyond my simple athlete’s perspective,” Baran posted on his Facebook account.
“I’m now a greater person all because of you. You taught me not to quit and you left us a legacy which led us to persevere no matter the circumstances…Your memories with me and all tennis players of Western Visayas will never be forgotten,” he added. – NAB
