Raising Heroes

I should say, nationalism is a rare find these days. You can even barely see people sing the national anthem when there is a public formal occasion.

It may be because the taped sonata seems to suffice and fills up the dead air; or that the people in line are too shy to sing lest their voices come out like croaks, or they really don’t know the song by heart, (and I mean by HEART), or they simply don’t care and just put up with the formalities without understanding the value of the national hymn.

Every time Manny Paquiao wins a fight, we feel proud to be Filipinos. Oh yes, we yell, cheer, jump and raise high-fives when each proclamation of Manny’s victory blares. And as Manny takes the stage to thank the people, all the FILIPINO people who support him above his other fans, we sit smugly, feeling great that we are associated with a champ.

As Manny waves the Philippine Flag or places his hand on his chest in silent tribute, to our nation, we all beam. In Manny’s eyes, you can see the sincerity of his love for country. You can read the silent prayer, that hope that he would not disappoint his compatriots and once again carry with him the belt of pride. His heart has the fight that spurs his body to endure the pain that every punch he receives brings, and the will to throw his own with prayer that no one will get dismally hurt.

Last week, when I attended the All Cebu Sports Awards with the Sportswriters Association of Cebu, I was touched by the silent champion that sat in a wheel chair, pale compared to his more popular idol, Manny Paquiao.

When I first saw Z Gorres, he was on a parade around the streets of Mandaue, having won his title as a WBO Super Flyweight Champion and the second time was a recognition given by the local government for his winning the OPBF Championship for the same category. Then his face was on the papers for his fight in Las Vegas.

Then the tragedy. The showmanship went well. No apparent immediate repercussion of the fight ‘til it was over. When Z was proclaimed, he still held our Philippine Flag so high that hearing about his collapse seemed out of character of the whole event. Learning about how hard he fought, how he withstood the blows for our country’s pride, and the eventual mark that caused his life to change also affected me in a more personal manner.

People like Z, Manny and the rest of our athletes don’t need guns in the battlefield to be called heroes. They literally shed sweat and blood to gain prestige and keep the honor for our country. A value that has long been taken for granted in the derogatory remarks we ourselves make of our race and our nation. I vowed to sing the national anthem again and not just stand in compliance.

I have seen how Z has maintained his self-respect albeit his fragile condition. When he surprised us by his determination to walk to accept his award from SAC President John Pages as the presidential awardee, I wanted to ran back to the plaque maker and make him a life-sized trophy for the determination that he displayed. But I knew nothing could outshine the glow in his eyes; the quiet call to fight as he raised his fists for media to take a pose. He showed us how to fight in life.

Antonio Aldeguer, his manager, lost his words of inspiration as he stood with us. I was struck by the admiration and mutual respect of athlete and manager. We all know Tony Aldeguer as a businessman and a “king maker” in the arena of sports. However at this time, Tony was just man. No trace of the crisp stereotype of an entrepreneur. Just a Dad standing by his boy who he knew since the kid was 9 years old.

Tony Aldeguer did not compromise the safety of his athlete after the fight. He pursued the best measures to make sure Z would be able to come home well. My heart rejoiced at people like Tony who would stand by a fallen friend through thick or thin. “What I am doing for Z is an obligation. I can not leave him just like that.” Tony Aldeguer shared. I learned that the ALA Gym could not set a campaign to raise funds for Z because they did not want to be misconstrued by the public. “I am glad that even without asking, people have come to help Z from their hearts.” Tony Aldeguer shared. Some offered money from P10,000 to P50.00 to show their support to Z and these are heartfelt gifts.  

Tony’s quest to raise heroes goes beyond sports. Due to the discipline he has instilled in the athletes’ regimen, the sportsmen who have been under his training are equipped with life skills that should prepare them even when their sports careers wane.

My gratitude is to Tony who has never left his athlete. And my prayer is that the Lord will prosper him more for his heart seeks after what God has given him to be a steward of. 

My appreciation goes to Z, for his showing me that life’s battles can be won, with the discipline, determination, and the spirit of a sportsman, who knows victory even when he does not have to bring home a crown.