PBA Legends reunion: ‘Playing it forward’

Published: March 17, 2008 | Author: Krystina Orozco
Total Views: 481 | Philippine News

SAN FRANCISCO — Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, the Philippine Basketball Association held a press conference for visiting basketball superstars in one of Union City’s one-stop-friendly Filipino restaurants on Thursday, March 6, 2008.The basketball greats anxiously spoke of ‘The PBA Grand Legends Grand Reunion Tour and Dream Series” to be held in both Northern California the past weekend and in Southern California this weekend. The purpose of the tour was to raise money and awareness for uneducated children and those with disability. Another reason, which is incidental, is to show appreciation for their Filipino fans who have scattered in many parts of the world but have cheered loyally for them for when they were at their playing prime.

I sat alongside legendary players like Abe King, Ramon Fernandez, Gerry Codinera, Alex Marquez, Allan Caidic, and manager Roland Abilo while we spoke about the surge of feelings and emotions that rushed through their heads before their upcoming games. As a young Filipina born in the States, I was consumed by eager curiosity. I did not know who the players were and would not be able to point them out except maybe for their height.

Suddenly, a group of confident men of very high stature tainted with the remainders of their boyish charm stood waiting in front of the restaurant. Now, their height did grant some speculation that maybe these could be the infamous legends, but there was always that possibility that I could be wrong.

In observation, these men represented the epitome of a Filipino male. Generally, these mostly dark-skinned men took pride with literally each step they made. Such confidence cannot be mistaken with sheer arrogance, but instead, a unique chip on their rather half-toned down, half beefy shoulders of middle- aged man shadowed by their wisdom of great experience. They are united by nationalism and separated by their unique individual characteristics. Once a few ladies passing their way had asked for an autograph and a picture, my interview was on.

Enjoying a treat of fresh halo-halo while relaxing in their cool tees or collared shirts paired up either in jeans or khakis, the players were fired up. “We’re just all excited to see old friends once again,” Ramon Fernandez said, addressing a question from Philippine News.

“We’re playing with the vision and incentive to give back to our fans who have been supporting us since day one. We play for the fans and our deepest gratitude (goes to them),” added Abe King.
Motivationally driven were these bundle of players as they demonstrated how hard they have all worked in putting this tour together.

“What began a few years ago to help raise money and awareness for a friend in need was the basis of starting this reunion tour. Hard work after hard work finally paid off as we were able to pull some strings together to make this tour a memorable-heart-giving one to remember,” said Roland Abilo.

Gratitude stemmed from the concept of ‘paying it forward’ as Abe King explained how the reunion tour was only the beginning to a bright and helpful future.“We are cooking up future programs to build foundations dedicated to raising funds on behalf of children in schools and those disabled and hospitalized. Giving money to such a great cause for promoting education and good welfare are two causes the PBA Grand Legends teams are now focusing on,” said King.

Behind productions scenes, these tough and tall basketball legends were hard on the outside, but apparently had a soft spot for genuinely caring for others on the inside. During Saturday’s game, kind hearts certainly gave way to the mighty charge of these friendly giants as they rushed out on court at Union City’s Logan High School Gym as avid fans stomped and shouted for their team’s victory either between the two classic teams of Team Crispa and Team Toyota.

Team Toyota stole the thunder in their victorious win that day as they were gratefully appraised by loyal fans.
A dedicated fan sat amongst the bleachers double-fisting with nachos in one hand with a soda in the other as he expressed his feelings for the game.

“I’ve been watching these legends for many, many years now in the Philippines ever since I was in the fourth grade as I sat attend-hut towards my T.V. screen,” replied the eager fan, “It’s great to have them back!”A certain connection was made amidst the air that sunny afternoon amongst both the players and their darling fans simply because it brought glory back to the good old days.

“I feel young again, young at heart and so grateful to be here today,” said Atoy Co to Philippine News with a gigantic stretch of a smile. Signing endless autographs on basketballs and team-supporting jerseys to both the young and the old, the PBA Grand legends had indeed come full circle and gone back to the hearts of their faithful fans.