Basketball is a fast game and we Filipinos like a sport that’s energetic, strategic and entertaining. It is a sport that invites widespread participation from the grassroots level upwards and is ingrained in our system. It unites Filipinos every time we compete with other countries. Our famous battle cry “PUSO!” made everyone feels the battle not just on court but a fight that is dedicated to our country. The “never say die” attitude of our team is admired not just by the opposing team but also by our competitor country and one of the reason why we gained the respect of International community.
During summer our group, STAG, is organizing a basketball tournament. We cleaned and repainted our basketball court as our preparation for the said tournament. We solicit budget from the Barangay and City Officials and even to the establishments near our sitio that will be utilized for the painting materials and some snack for those who will help.
There are 8 teams participated this year who will compete within 4 weeks. We set the house rules and posted it all over the court. As usual, we are no funds to support the whole tournament that is why our sports committee chairpersons Borj Bolutano and Rhondy Opiana will be the officiating referees.
Basketball is, may I say, Filipinos most favorite ball game. Every summer, you can see make shift basketball courts everywhere; in an open field, near the dike, underneath the flyover and even on the streets. That is how Filipinos were obsessive with this game. The question is, why did Filipinos so passionate with basketball? Why not tennis? Or Volleyball? Or bowling? Hmmm. Simply because basketball is a game that is easy to play. Even kids can play it. We don’t need so much equipment, just a ball and basketball ring and an open court, whoala! We can play basketball and enjoy some fun competition.
I remember when I was a child, we play 3 on 3. We made a makeshift board and basketball ring made of thin wire. And our ball? A tennis ball. We played barefooted and sweaty under the hot sun. We managed to play and enjoy despite of our deficits. Filipinos are certified resourceful even at young age.
Have you ever experienced getting nervous because your basketball team in PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) is playing? I am a fanatic of Alaska Milkmen. “Batang ALASKA, laking ALASKA” Championship between ALASKA and GINEBRA is the most memorable and tensely one for me. The score is tied with about 2 seconds left, Jeffrey Cariaso (Alaska) will take 2 important freethrows. My heart is beating so fast. First throw, shoot! I jump out of joy. Getting ready before the second throw, I was praying and promising to the Lord that I will sacrifice something just let Alaska win the game. As Jeff Cariaso throws the second shot, time seems stopped for a while. The ball shoots and Alaska won. I shouted “Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska.” (no one can beat Alaska) With that experience, I know what most Filipino feels every time watching basketball, live or on TV.
After 4 weeks of competition, everyone enjoyed the games and we came to the most awaited part, the awarding ceremony. We invited the newly elected officials of our Brgy. and glad that Brgy. Captain Jeje Leyva came with some of his Brgy. councils. The newly elected SK chairperson Eugene Casicas, who is from our sitio, also came with his SK kagawads to give awards to the winning teams.
A moderate rain didn’t hinder us to stop and enjoy the night after the ceremony. I took that opportunity to say goodbye to the group. This will be my last commitment with our community basketball. I may help them with other needs but not all the way. My days will now be busy for work, duties as father to my kids, husband to my wife and responsibilities as Christ believer.
I, as convener of STAG, is very proud to see the improvement of each players participating in our tournament every year. We hope that these activities will teach someone to be disciplined and be confident to show his talent in this sport. That confident will grow and become a dream. A dream that will be nurtured and become a ticket to his success. Who knows, someday there will be a professional basketball player from the kids playing in our basketball court.
“Your life is like a basketball game. The tempo keeps changing. God wants you to know its all part of what HE has for you. Your mistakes are forgiven and your future is bright. Your faith is going a new height.”
-Michael Jordan
Basketball is more than just a sports, it is a FILIPINO way of life. PUSO!
Thanks everyone for having time reading my article. Cheers! All for HIS glory!
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