PalaRomance: Davao wrestlers become best friends after break-up
LOVERS TURNED FRIENDS. Davao wrestlers Anthony Bulan and Lendy Blair Namoc talk about their 3-month relationship. Photo by Christine Cudis/ Rappler 
TAGUM CITY, Philippines—Who would have thought sports and love could go hand-in-hand?
For Davao Region high school wrestlers Anthony Bulan and Lendy Blair Namoc, sports is more than just about competition as it paved the way for their love story.
But sometimes love is just not enough.
3-month affair
Both hailing from Tagum City, Bulan and Namoc said they knew each other for a long time but it was in the Batang Pinoy games in Bacolod where they developed their feelings for each other.
Bulan and Namoc then became officially in a relationship in November 2014 before things suddenly turned sour from sweet.
But the ex-lovers, who in months of training for this year’s Palarong Pambansa shared love for each other, have called it quits.
“Hindi na kami,” said Bulan, who shifted to wrestling after playing basketball before.
(We’re not together anymore).
“Meron lang something na nangyari,” Namoc, who won a gold medal for the Davao Eagles in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Laguna, answered abruptly when pressed for an answer why they broke up.
(Something just happened why we broke up).
The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting event in the Philippines that aims to develop the potentials of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens. It brings together young athletes from 17 regions to compete in 17 sports events.
From lovers to best friends
Some couples coming from a break-up will usually hate each other - boys would delete their ex-girlfriend's phone number or girls would block boys on Facebook - but Bulan and Namoc's case is different.
The 2 became best of friends.
“Best friends na lang kami po kami ngayon,” said Namoc. (We’re just best friends now).
And everything has changed.
“Nahihiya na po ako sa kanya minsan, nag-aalangan na,” added the bubbly lass. (I get shy around him sometimes. I get second thoughts approaching him).
While the two have ended their relationship, Bulan promised to support his ex-girlfriend and now best friend all the way.
“Sinusuportahan ko siya sa lahat ng bagay na ginagawa niya,” explained Bulan. (I’m supporting her in all her endeavors.)
Namoc, on the other hand, just wants her former man to stay the same.
“Sana hindi siya magbago,” said Namoc. (I hope he won’t change.)
From ex-lovers to best friends?
Not bad at all. - Rappler.com
