I was introduced to the game of basketball at a very early age, I guess even before I learned how to master curcive writing.Quite inevitable since my brothers together with our neighbors played the sports on the road in front of our house(half-court),in our barrio and at the plaza. I aged with hatred for Jaworski because Ati Nel,my cousin who took care of me,despised him a lot.I was a witness to how my older cousins screamed their lungs out to cheeer for either Toyota or Crispa.Names like Abe King,Adornado,Brown,Fernandez I already knew back then.
In the 80's,the whole Boulevard(that's how our street is called) would troop to different places in Pampanga to cheer for Sta.Ana team on Inter-Town plays. If I remember correctly,Hector Calma(now SMB manager) once played for us.I knew from then on,basketball would be one of my first loves. Boulevard boys joined inter-color tournament in our barrio as well.Our parents,the olds I mean would try to discourage them from doing so because the tournament will be halted half-way due to fights,complaints and brawls.Yet the persistence of the basketball "addicts"(that include my brothers) will triumph after a series of explanations. For championship games,us girls would make posters,tambuntings and cheers for our team.The olds on the other hand,would prepare hearty meals after the games. All of us were beyond ecstasy when our team beat the opponent and we're declared as Champion! The whole street was in a jovial mood. Such pure,priceless joy. Some time ago,I wanted to remove my brothers's basketball trophies(they are displayed prominently near the dining set) and just keep them upstairs. My mother refused right away.She even bragged about them to Fr.Roger.Mom's pride,I think.:)
My brothers and I love each other,no doubt on it.However,basketball proved as a challenge to test it. In PBA,they were all die hard Ginebra fans.Jaworski led the team. As I mentioned earlier,I have great disgust for the guy. Most of the ladies in our family dislike him.On the year 1988,Alvin Patrimonio,Jerry C. and Jolas stepped onto the PBA floor.Oh my!Our sweethearts..they were,most especially Alvin. My cousins and I even coined the name Jovinry. My interest in basketball was fueled to a higher bar with the entry of these guys.They belonged to Purefoods team. The "war" began at home.Me and the girls(cousins and neighbors) vs my brothers and all the boys.I tell you,we were serious,take the word as is,in cheering for our teams. I'd had my fair share of arguments and heated discussions with my kuyas in trying to defend Purefoods. Tears fell a number of times. And how can I forget, the NIGHT Mamang woke from sleep screaming at all of us!She couldn't rest soundly because of our realllllyyyy loud voices yelling at one another, and chanting for our teams. Guess what she did ask us?? To pull knives in the kitchen so we can kill each other and stop the fight.Yes the dispute ended on that second.
In NBA on the other hand,I am united with the boys in loving Chicago Bulls and His Highness Michael Jordan. Oh man,where did Utah Jazz go??? During the time,there was no cable,Internet and mobile phones. I couldn't remember now if the games we watched were "live" .Or were they delayed? Shouts and screams filled the house that Mamang had to have her piece once more with the line" Ot pakagulisak yu?Kilala da kayu wari ren?" We all jumped with joy when our cousins Ate Reggie and Ate Baybee sent us Bulls's mementos like caps,watches,shirts and my most-fave,my towel. I gave it away only last year.My copy of a Jordan's book is kept along with my other book treasures.
I am born loquacious,I know. I try to be silent in certain times so I may practice the art of listening.However,when the topic of basketball pops up, I can't help but be energized and my adrenalines resurface. I catch a game on boob tube and I'll stay on it,not minding what teams are playing.
To say I am insanely,incurably passionate with basketball is nothing but an honest statement.I still vividly remember:
> The boys here would run to Shakey's,San Fernando to watch Ginebra on TV,believing it's "swerte" to watch there.
> How Apung Guitang was fuming mad during one pabasa,when all else is screaming with Ginebra on a crucial match.That she had to ask us what we'd decide to stop: the Pabasa or the game. No debate on that. Volume was turned at its lowest;mouths covered with hands ,everybody happy.:)
> During one match at the plaza with Boulevard playing,Koyang Balu with crutches( weeks after the fatal car accident),sneaked out of the house and begged to be allowed to play even for only a sole minute. He did..before our Papang managed to come and find him. A great actor he was,crutches tucked under his axillas,pretending he was only an spectator.
> Otto gulped half of Fundador bottle while watching a Ginebra game.
> When brawls during matches and the old ones would shield us,kids,form harm.
>The incomparable team work of Boo and Otto on the court. And how great my Koya Miller is in steals and side dribble(no biases).
>The many sleepless nights I had with the girls re-living and analyzing the recent games.
> When I bought a balloon ,planned to free it soon after a Purefoods championship.
>In Grand Boulevard Hotel,everyone was running towards the elevators to catch Alvin and the rest.It was Olsen Racela's wedding.
>Loti and I would adjust the Sta Cruzan route so we won't be late in the games at the plaza.
>I had my first taste of coaching with Koyang Mark when the real coach of the team wasn't around.Boy,it was the first win of the team after a number of losses.
> My numerous PBA live games. The most memorable was meeting Danding Cojuangco up close,making him smile with my giddiness.The other two were those times Kris was there as well,supporting James.
>Watching replays in the wee hours of the morning to see once more the wins of my teams.
I am 33 now.I know,however,that till I grow old and gray,with super thick eyeglasses,I will still be watching basketball games.Maybe rooting for James Jr. or Lakers with the Black Mamba as the Coach.Why not??
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