𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

In the City of Bislig, Province of Surigao del Sur, Caraga Region, a story of resilience, determination, and sibling’s triumph unfolds. Meet the Allego sisters, Monaliza and Princess, whose journey from the impoverished neighborhood of Mamparasan, San Roque to the national wrestling arena is nothing short of inspirational.

Princess, 18, and Monaliza, 16, both Grade 11 SHS students at Mabog National High School, have been wrestling players for the past two years since SY 2022-2023. Despite coming from a poor family, the sisters have managed to excel in sports, self-supporting their studies by transferring residences and schools and accepting work at Poblacion, Bislig City market to earn money.

𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝘽𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨
Growing up in Mamparasan, the Allego sisters faced numerous challenges. Their father, a farmer, and their mother, a stay-at-home wife, struggled to make ends meet. However, Monaliza and Princess found solace and strength in wrestling, a sport they were introduced to by Ma’am Rowena S. Pombo of Mabog NHS. To pursue their passion, the sisters had to make significant sacrifices. Transferring from one school to another, they often had to leave behind friends and familiar environments. Bislig City National High School became their training ground for wrestling through their division level coach, Sir Charliemagne C. Rezare.

Princess shares, "Motabang mi sa amo papa nga mangopras. Dako sab na nga hinungdan maong kusgan mi bisan babae.” Monaliza adds, “Anad sab mi sa kapobrehon maong kabalo mi maningkamot.” Their dedication paid off as they balanced training sessions with their studies, often staying up late to complete their modules after a long day of practice.

𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥
Behind their triumph is a strong support system. Their coach, Jessie C. Arniego, saw potential in the Allego sisters from the beginning. "These girls are committed and serious with their goals, both on and off the mat, labaw na si Princess kay kaya niya daogon bisan pa lalaki iyang kalaban,” he says with pride.

Coach Jessie, together with Coach Wingel S. Mondigo, not only trained them in wrestling techniques but also instilled in them the values of discipline and hard work. "Si Princess kugihan kaayo nga bata mao ng dile lisod iyang kadaugan. Pag-abot sa disiplina, sa dula, sa personal, sa trabahoon as a team, kugihan jud siya. Si Mona, kusgan sab. Naa potential dako para sa gold medal," Coach Wingel expressed.
Bislig City Division also provided financial assistance in support of the Allego sisters' training at Anomar National High School in Surigao City, which lasted more than a month as part of the preparation for Palaro 2024.

𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖
The Allego sisters' hard work led them to compete in the Palarong Pambansa. Competing against the best athletes from across the country. Princess secured a gold medal, while Monaliza brought home a silver, putting Caraga region on the map during Palarong Pambansa 2023.
"Wala ko gaexpect nga makagold medal ko and dako kaayo siya nahatag sa amo labaw na financially kay nahatagan mi sa division office ug ni Mayor ug pahalipay," Princess says with a smile. "Nakapamalit mi ato ug gamit para sa pagskwela ug nahatagan sab namo kwarta sila mama ug papa." Monaliza said.

𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙
The Allego sisters remain grounded and focused on their future goals. This year, Princess will compete under 52 kg caterogy and 48 kg category for Monaliza. They both dream of being able to pursue their college education through their participation in Wrestling.

The Allego sisters' story is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and a supportive community, anything is possible and attainable. Their journey from the humble streets of Mamparasan to the national stage gives hope and inspiration for many. As Princess eloquently puts it, "Kung naa kay gusto, paningkamuti. Ayaw undang, padayon lang para sa nindot nga kaugmaon."

𝐄𝐍𝐃.
Writer: Charmane Mae S. Yu
Layout Artist: Jickie L. Tiu

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