User:PROTO TYPE 13

Juan Paolo Esmeralda, AKA, Proto, was born on June 16, in the year of the rooster (1981) by both Filipino parents, Aida and Christioan. He lived his life with relatives and other family members. He grew in a Christian household where he came to know God at an early age. Proto,had his his first learning through his grandmother who is now a retired pre-school teacher at a public school in Naga. Influenced by his father who was a very active and athletic person during his days, Proto learned and dedicated his childhood years to swimming. He was enrolled in a swimming class when he was 10 and his caoch saw a fine swimmer in him. He began competing against his fellow trainees and soon with other swimming schools. He won his first even in a 100m freestyle and immediately captured the eyes of scouts and other coaches with his time and swift style. In 1993, he got a scholarship in De La Salle Santiago Zobel School sponsored by Eric Buhain, (Filipino swimming champion and now the Philippines' Games and Amusement Board chairman). He was personally trained and coached by Eric for 2 years. During his first year, Proto gained the respect of Eric by winning competitions here and there.