13 June 2024
AN INTERVIEW WITH ALDRIN MARAPAO
The World Yo-yo Contest 2024, the most prestigious event in the yo-yo calendar, is set to dazzle enthusiast and spectators alike in the dynamic city of Cleveland. From July 31 to August 1, the world’s finest yo-yo players will gather to compete, demonstrating their unparalleled skill and creativity across various divisions. The annual contest represents the pinnacle of yo-yo excellence, where best vie for the coveted world titles. Aldrin Marapao who is throwing for Yoyofactory and currently the Philippine National 1A Champion is hoping to bag the title on his 2nd time at Worlds. Let’s get to know Aldrin in my short interview with him.
Introduction:
1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us where you are from?
– I’m Aldrin Brylle Marapao, and I’m from General Trias, Cavite!
2. How long have you been yoyoing?
– Almost 10 years!
Inspiration and Beginnings:
3. What insipred you to start yoyoing?
– In year 2014, my cousin gifted me yoyo and taught me some basic tricks, that’s where my passion for yoyo started.
4. Who are your most admired/role model yoyo players?
– Currently, my idols are Mir Kim, Ryuichi Nakamura, and Gentry Stein.
Preparation for the World Yoyo Contest:
5. What division are you competing?
– 1A division! Which is my main style of yoyoing.
6. How do you prepare for worlds?
– Before I create my routine, I talk to other international players/judges and judges here in philippine yoyo community about how they create a high-scoring freestyle, then I prepare music and routine, and I film my routine to check if it’s good. Once the routine is finalize, I practice 3-4hrs a day so that I can perform cleanly at worlds.
7. Do you have any specific routines or rituals before performing?
– Before I go on stage, I perform my routine once while I was in the waiting area, I washed my hands and then doing body stretching.
Equipment:
8. What yoyo are you using for the contest?
– I’m using my signature colorway of the YoYoFactory IQ!
9. What String are you using?
– Kitty String Whip!
Personal Insights:
10. What do you think sets you apart from other contestants?
– I think it’s my use of music. Also, a lot of people know me for my ability to easily perform higher hooks. –
11. How do you handle nerves and pressure during a performance?
– I got too nervous when I made a mistake during performance. To avoid nervous, I’m always thinking myself as the winner, so I’ll show them how I won.
12. Who do you think is to watch out for among your competition?
– There are many top players in 1A division, including Mir Kim, Evan Nagao, Hunter Feuerstein, Ryuichi Nakamura and Jakub Dolejs.
13. Any message/advise to all those who are also aspiring to compete at World yoyo contest?
– Keep practicing, don’t give up, learn from every performance, and enjoy the journey!
