Bong Tan died happy
Credit to Author: Monico Puentevella| Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2019 16:14:42 +0000
My friend Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. died with his boots on. How many people in this world die doing what they do best or what makes them happy? When I was playing basketball for the La Salle Community, elementary, high school, and college, it was my dream to die inside the court for our alma mater. Yes. That was my ultimate challenge then. To win the trophy at all costs. Call it passion, obsession, or whatever. To prove to everyone you died for something you believed in. Better than ending it all in road accidents, sickness, or worse, being ambushed as a politician. Every time he made a three pointer was a high for Bong. While making profits at Tanduay or Philippine Air Lines etc. was just an ordinary chore for the day. That was “work” for him. But steering the UE basketball team in the UAAP as head coach beating other universities made him alive, up close and personal. His adrenaline rose to the sky whenever he was in MOA or Araneta. Basketball was his girlfriend. If it also happens to me one of these days, while I’m playing tennis, so be it. That’s the warriors in us. Let’s play ball again one of these days Bong. Godspeed.
Now you ask. Where did this love for basketball come from? Guess not from Lucio “Kapitan” Tan Sr., whose real advocacy is building an empire that supports the livelihood of thousands and thousands of people in various industries. But from his mother Carmen. In the last Beijing 2008 Olympics, she was asking around for tickets if only to watch the USA Dream Team, even for just a game. Well, as chairman then at that time, of the Philippine Olympic Committee, I was able to get some tickets and fortunately, they flew to Beijing with “Kapitan” and two siblings to watch their favorite team, Kobe Bryant and company. Wasn’t even VIP seats. Was a bit up there in the stands, but they didn’t mind. I had the honor to accompany all of them that memorable night. They were happy going home and back to Manila the next day.
Why UST’s coach Ayo is the best
UST’S Coach Aldin Ayo has proven to one and all that he’ll be one of the best upcoming basketball coaches in this country soon enough. Some called it improbable. Impossible? But the guy just did it. Beat the hell out of UP four times in a row this year. And UP was even the favorite from the very start after defending champion Ateneo. Wow. Four consecutive times. That hurts. Reminds me of my rookie year with the De La Salle Green Archers, winning nine straight games, needing just one more for a “sweep,” and yet losing to Mapua three straight games to lose the championship. And like UP, needed only ONE game to win the NCAA trophy in 1966. Ball is round, guys. After winning the title for La Salle in his first year, Coach Ayo left our team and moved on to UST. Still wondering why up to this day. Kudos to Coach Aldin. You’re good, man.
For me, he’s the best. Why? Ateneo’s Coach Ted Baldwin may win the crown, simply because he has better individuals, some playing for five years while Coach Ayo has even rookies to lean on. Nonoy, from my home province Negros, is a first timer in the UAAP and he’s one of the first five. They were not even expected to be in the finals this year. Why we love the UAAP.
Leni’s gambit
Vice President Leni Robredo must be a good chess player. She made the best move for the year. A move that will decide her political future. And maybe ours too. Caught us all by surprise. Congratulations for showing us all you have the guts. You have what it takes.
Best Safari in Asia
If you’re fond of animals and nature hopping, you don’t have to go to Africa or go far. Just hop on a flight to Cebu and visit the Lhuillier Safari in Concepcion. More than 300 hectares of forest land filled with all the rare animals you’ll see in Africa. You name it, they have it. Better than the Singapore Zoo. Wow. Another tourism plus for lucky Cebu. Calling DOT. Where art thou? Let’s hear it for my friend, visionary, and avid sportsman, Michel Lhuillier. Daghang Salamat Bro.