My team started the conference with a 1-3 card. The Coffee Mixers lost to Ginebra by 29 points in one game.There was high hope from the other teams. They were down 3-5, I was anxious in the eliminations phase, as the All-Filipino Cup I consider to be the most valued among all the conferences. There is no import to rely on, I believe it's where the players can truly prove how great they are.Won't we make it???:(
Slowly but surely. This tagline was used in a Purefoods TJ Hotdogs commercial decades ago, during Alvin Patrimonio's rise to hard court stardom. This was how my team made it to the finish line. In the semis, a game 7 rubber match was set against, okay, the most popular team, Barangay Ginebra. The series was even dubbed Manila Classico.I prayed for a win,it's a bitter pill to swallow should I lose to my brothers, cousins and friends and to Mayet. I even asked my boss to please pray for San Mig. I lighted a Manaoag candle and whispered to Mama Mary in our school chapel. Let us please move to the Finals.We won Game 7.:) Moved forward to battle versus a physical and determined team, Rain or Shine.
Last night was Game 6 against Rain or Shine.I wanted the balloons at the Big Dome to be freed already.The previous matches were all exciting, I think the widest margin was in Game 2 when San Mig won by 10 points. The rest were 3-2-1 point game deficits. I know my 66 students are one with me in praying for a ring. They'd benefit from it.:) Mamang, Mayet and Kakay( I even promised them Jollibee meals should San Mig win) were all screaming too, I hoped our neighbors weren't bothered. The 2 teams were superb to see on court.For me, they brought out the best in each other. The two most brilliant coaches, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao delivered impressive strategies and plays. One even staged a mock walk-out!!:)
Thirty-two seconds left in the final period and we were up by 5 points, the ball was in the hands of Rain or Shine, I knew should they made a shot, it ain't yet over.Breath held for every diehard fan, goodness gracious, the ball slipped from Paul Lee's hands and finally, I let out one loud scream. WE will win and yes WE DID!!!
Basketball history was written last night. The coach, Tim Cone holds the title of the PBA winningest coach surpassing the respected Baby Dalupan( he once coached Purefoods too). In addition to this, the Purefoods franchise holds the distinction of winning its sixth All- Filipino title- the most in PBA history. I say, choose your team wisely.:)
One man was and continues to be an integral part of all the championship trophies of the team (which went under several commercial names already), he will forever be my MVP and best Filipino player, the Captain Lion Heart, Alvin Patrimonio. He serves as the team manager and an inspiration to the players to make it better in every game. People wonder why at my present age,I still go gaga over basketball. One big reason is the Captain, memories of my younger years cheering for him, Jolas and Jerry are for keeps. It was the start of my practice of the virtue of loyalty.
I slept late last night reading tweets and online news about the game, I almost forgot my eyes' "Black Panda" peg because of my elation and euphoria. I was giggling watching the locker room interview of players . Congratulations to San Mig Coffee Mixers, to Alvin and to all my kakampi. And to Ate Kris' ex- hubby, James, big games there despite the injuries. Thank You Lord, all the angels and saints and to my students, anlakas ng dasal nyo!!!:) My housemates will be favored with Chickenjoy tomorrow.:)
Basketball is a constant love.
Crazy. Giddy.Happy.
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