Among Philippine archery’s next generation of standouts is a 19-year-old who doesn’t only have the knack of hitting bullseyes, but also the right notes.
Coming from a family of musicians, Riley Silos sings and writes songs when he’s out of the archery range. In fact, he’s got his own YouTube channel which showcases his musical talent.
“I sing every chance I get. I do music every chance I get. It’s what I do. It’s a great balance, archery and music. It works perfectly for me,” Silos told the Inquirer via messenger.
It may be an odd combination, but Silos happens to be keyed in on both, never dipping in passion on either endeavor and making sure one won’t affect the other.
“I also work on a YouTube channel about archery that I do with my good friend, Trenton Cowles. Trenton is the current recurve archery Youth Olympic gold medalist,” Silos added.
Bow Whisperers
“The channel is called Bow Whisperers. Anything outside of archery is really down time for me. It may seem hectic still, but music and filming are relaxing to me,” added Silos.
On social media, Silos would share experiences on school, family, archery training, successes and failures.
“I love the idea that through archery, kids are being inspired to be better, to do their best and to always believe that anything is possible, in archery or in anything in their lives,” he said.
The topnotcher in the recent World Archery Philippines evaluation virtual tournament and Southeast Asian Games qualifier is now in Los Angeles, California, where he and his family are based.
Silos will attend this November the Los Angeles College of Music in Pasadena and pursue bachelors degree in music major in songwriting, composition, minor in music business.
The future
Archery federation secretary general Rosendo Sombrio considers Silos, Jason Feliciano, Phoebe Amistoso and sisters Monica and Pia Bidaure as the future of the sport.
With most of them in bubble training in Dumaguete City, they are also counted upon to secure berths in the Olympics in the qualifiers this June in Paris.
“I fully embrace and take the position of being a role model very seriously. I have been working very hard to be the best archer that I can be. To be able to represent the Philippines is such an honor,” added Silos.
And right in his crosshairs is the tournament where every athlete wants to represent his country in: The Tokyo Olympics.
“My teammates and I are very lucky that we have incredible coaches, and that we have the unwavering support of families, friends and a whole country. We’re ready to compete against the best,” Silos said. “With all these people believing in us, I believe that our chances are pretty good.”