Flowery, fruity

This is the fourth year of wreckording since the world stood still, when there was hardly any bout to write about. But now they rumble which one to ramble on. There’s EJ Obiena who flopped and dropped in the world indoor championships. The world outdoor silver medalist ended up ninth in an elite field of a dozen jumpers.

Again, it doesn’t matter. It’s indoors. Except that a podium finish would have vindicated him even more. Obiena was robbed of the opportunity two years ago, when no less than his national federation suspended him over liquidation issues. Since then the best Filipino track and field athlete soared to never before heights. He won silver in the worlds and ranked second in the world. The suspension brought out the best in him but showed the worst in Philippine sports.

Elsewhere, Alex Eala continues to set and reset her rank until she reached a personal and national best of 184th, the highest placement by a Filipina in world tennis. To date, she has earned at least 11 million pesos in prize money since turning professional. It’s her fourth year of responsible playing on tour, unlike the fourth impact of irresponsible pet ownership.

She continues to work hard to finally break through the main draw of the women’s singles in any grand slam, a feat bigger than her biggest achievement to date – the US Open girls’ singles title. But just like the indoor athletics meet, a girls’ crown matters little. It merely prepares the girl to mature into the women’s draw where many are lost in transition, and translation. But her grit should help find her way in and around world best.

Meanwhile, the UAAP could not find its way how to say what it means and mean what it says when it suspended a coach. Why, no one is saying. The non-statement says he is suspended due to a complaint regarding conduct not aligned with the principles of camaraderie and fair play of the collegiate tournament. But what he exactly did is vague.

If he was suspended to maintain such principles, specify how they were breached to deter others from doing the same. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of suspension. For, it is not really intended to punish the erring coach, but to strengthen tournament integrity. Why be cryptic. Be graphic. It involves public interest.

Even private matters are detailed in public. Like the boxing debut of an alleged love child of the greatest Filipino athlete. But after the mom came out for support, the alleged father and son are mum, except for their photographs together showing their semblance. Although one definitely looks better than the other. Which one, pick no one. Issues like this should better be left alone. It resolves itself and dies a natural death. Only to resurface when no one is asking.

What or who cannot be resurrected is acting great Jaclyn Jose whose demise voids the local film industry devoid of real thespians, and whose quiet and soulful presence in every scene spoke the loudest on screen.