Pumped Up: Jovin Bedic
Don’t let the family name fool you. Jovin Bedic, born and raised in Iloilo, is 100% Pinoy and loves only football, well, aside from his family and girlfriend, that is. He has no Croatian blood, mind you. His family name does not rhyme with “itch,” unless you’re itching for a verbal joust—but don’t try since Jovin also happens to be Kaya FC’s quick-witted resident comic. Once on the pitch, though, the joke’s on you since he can get deadly serious and has his wits focused on just the goal.
Bend It Like Jovin
Presenting Jovin Bedic, Kaya FC right-winger since 2013. No fancy nicknames shroud his all-out simplicity since his humor and interesting name already make up for this. Also, once you get to know him more, you’d know he really isn’t a Joe or Vinnie type.
Growing up in Iloilo brings Jovin valuable memories. After all, doesn’t Barotac Nuevo ring a bell to football fans? That’s where senior Azkal Chieffy and former Azkal Ian grew up—the very place where Jovin hails from as well. Imagine being raised in a football capital, with local heroes just around the corner to inspire you and play with you. The environment itself influenced Jovin while growing up, and the fact that he saw these Azkals become local heroes had an impact on his life. Anybody can be a hero if they persevere and follow their dreams no matter what happens.
And here’s the bonus for young Jovin: he has an older brother who was equally passionate about the sport and a dad who was a football instructor.
Hence, as early as second grade, Jovin was already playing football with the guidance of his peers and, of course, family.
In elementary, it was more of just joining and watching the meets. “Sa elementary, nag-cocompete na sila sa mga integrated meet o palaro. Doon sila bumubuo ng players nila,” he explained.
When he reached high school, though, that’s when he started joining the clubs and considering the football path.
Come college, Bedic attended West Negros University, where he took up IT and attended the same school as Janrick Soriano. Why an active and occasionally hyper guy would take up IT was a mystery but was answered in no time.
He was part of the West Negros University varsity, though as a kid, he really wanted to be a seaman. And before learning the tools that would enable him to launch the first Flappy Bird, he already became a footballer!
“Nag-stop kasi ako ng school, tapos noong kinuha ako ni Coach Nonoy na maglaro sa Pachanga sa second division, iyon lang iyong inisip ko para makatulong sa bahay. Every week kami pumupunta rito para maglaro,” narrated Bedic.
It would seem that football isn’t only in Jovin’s blood; his future is carved in it.
Jovin the Club
The year 2011 launched Jovin’s career in the football world, and he first debuted as a player for Pachanga.
Again, Jovin’s and Janrick’s stars were bound to collide on the Pachanga plane, but Jovin’s came sooner. Jovin stayed with Pachanga for about a year, give or take. When Pachanga adopted the Pachanga Diliman name, it was time to jump off to Stallion, where he stayed for about two months.
At the end of the league, destiny led him to Kaya FC.
“Tinawagan lang ako. Pinatawag talaga ako ni Paul na mag-tryout kahit isang beses lang. Nandoon ako noon sa Iloilo, tapos pinatawag niya ako para umuwi agad. Isang training lang.”
Why’d he move—or better yet, why not?
“Nag-score ako ng four goals sa practice game, eh,” he fondly recalled.
Nuff said.
Una Kaya!
Jovin considers the Kaya FC versus Army game quite a memorable moment or, rather, feat for the team.
“Yung against Army kasi naka-score ako doon. First goal ko iyon sa Kaya.”
What Jovin admires about the team is their dynamics on and off the field and describes the group as being “masaya at maalaga.”
Philippine football has also shown its appreciative hand in dishing out recognition to Jovin.
He was once hailed the MVP of the Cojuangco Cup in Bacolod.
In 2007/08, he was called to join the Philippine National Football Team (Azkals). At 17, joining the Azkals was an honor in itself, even just to form part of the lineup.
Getting called again was on his wish list, and all that patience did pay off.
Just recently, Jovin was called to play for the national team against Malaysia in a friendly that took place in Cebu—which many of us saw on TV and ultimately brought concrete pride to the Bedic name. At the 78th minute, he came on to replace Patrick Reichelt and got to showcase his bag of tricks.
Speaking of Bedic, the family name is not European in origin but instead has a history of evolution during the local Spanish era. During that time, the Español conquistadors were killing off the members of the Bedia family—for a mysterious offense we did not bother to ask—so in an effort at survival, Jovin’s great-grandfather slashed a portion of the last letter (a), so it became a c. And that’s how they became the Bedics—no government requirements needed—since the government was what they were hiding from!
Not a Bed-Head
Even as a kid, Jovin was living an active lifestyle. He has always dabbled in basketball and sepak takraw—because growing up, those were the other sports in his barangay (Ilaya, back in Iloilo). Imagine the fitness level required for those sports, coupled with growing up seeing local heroes Chieffy and Ian being heralded in the football limelight, and what you have is athleticism in form and spirit.
Aside from the usual training, he finds extra time to go jogging at BGC or juggle balls … at home. Nothing wrong with that statement.
He actually urges the youth, those who want to pursue football, to keep on training. It’s like the secret sauce for improvement that really isn’t that much of a secret; it’s just about hard work and dedication. As for Jovin, well, keep on doing it!
Just Jovin It!
Jovin admits that pursuing football as a career is not an easy ride, but with his dedication to his family and girlfriend—his main motivation to continue with the sport—the sport has become his life and passion. In the end, the ride becomes enjoyably inspiring because he commits his play to his family and future. All these tied together fire him up to better his game even more.
It helps that former schoolmate, club mate, and now Kaya brother Janrick Soriano is there to share his sentiments and goals. With their formidable resolve, they give a voice to other aspiring players from their hometown, and we do know how competent and fierce their young ones can be!
Don’t let the pickup lines and comedic demeanor fool you—though, admittedly, they can solicit a guffaw or two—Jovin is all serious about getting better at football and scoring more goals, whether for Kaya or the country. He has the passion of the local homegrown talent, and coupled with family support and that innate drive, he’s sure to rake in more opportunities. The thirst is there, and it’s insatiable.
Jovin Bedic has a unique set of motivational factors to improve his game, and he represents the common Filipino in his heartfelt inspiration. Family is all we need to get going, and the fans are always a welcome source of support.
For his family, he is sure to give his all.
For the fans, it’s just a simple wish: keep supporting Kaya.
We sure will, Jovin. Now give it your all.
