A giant among men

I don’t play squash. I’ve tried it, though. I’ve also done a bit of boxing, tennis, golf, swimming, and football — to name but a few — but never really played any of them with any degree of seriousness. (Okay, maybe football and boxing but just because I kinda liked the physicality of it. In other words, I enjoyed the aggression.) I was part of the varsity basketball team of the two schools I attended before college. I think I hold a season record for flagrant fouls committed in one league. I guess I was an excitable boy.

Last Saturday, the Squash Racquets Association of the Philippines (SRAP) held the Second Dave Puyat Memorial Executive Squash Cup at the Manila Polo Club. According to AG Puyat, it’s all part of a number of activities they plan to hold annually “in an effort to bring more awareness to the re-emerging racquet sport. Part of the proceeds raised will go to the SRAP’s grassroots training program that will help in providing training essentials like shoes, racquets, and tournament fees.”

I wish I could tell you I had gone and played, but I didn’t. Did I have anything better to do? Not that I can think of, except stay at home and probably in bed. I might’ve read a bit or listened to a couple of records. That’s how I usually spend my weekends, after all. So why mention and write about a tournament that I didn’t go to? Or even a sport that I don’t even play. (And, also using and abusing the first person for this column, when I really should know better.) And that’s because of Dave.

Apart from one or two of the things mentioned in the first paragraph, it was Dave who got me to try those sports. He was a patient man and he was also a very enthusiastic teacher. He clearly loved to play and he loved getting all those around him to share that zest. He was a true friend and already a brother even before he married my sister. (The first Esquire issue I ever read was his copy.) Dave was a giant among men and, knowing the company that he kept, that would make him really, really big. Maybe it’s because he had a big heart. That sounds trite but in Dave’s case it’s only too true.

Every year, in this space, I usually recommend a number of scary films. I would’ve wanted to do that but I guess I can’t think of anything scarier than what I’ve been watching on the news these days. (Everyone says that but, man, do I mean it when I say it now.) Rather, instead of Halloween, I’d rather highlight the fact that it’s the time we also remember those who’ve gone ahead of us and whose absence to those he left behind is all too keenly felt.

Dave loved to play squash. Maybe now’s the time to pick it up again and learn.

SRAP would like to pay homage to the valuable partners which made the tournament possible: VGP Group, Manila Polo Club, Speedo, Unilever-Royal, Hudges Industries, Karakal, Powerade, Mogu Mogu, Mizuno (Atty. Joanna Gopez), and Fresh Papaya Soap. Special mention goes to the tournament officials for their invaluable effort namely: Jaime Ortua, Edgar Balleber, Ayssa Dalida, Arnel Bigonia, Ed Aguinaldo, and Jun Alamalda.

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THINGS TO DO: This column would like to recommend you also check out the Third Anniversary of Dubplate at B–SIDE tonight and tomorrow (Oct. 28 and Oct. 29). Nine international DJs will be featured alongside eight local artists. A limited edition of 200 copies of Obey Release, Dubplate 3 Mix by Red-I will also be given away for free. B-SIDE is located at The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio Village Makati City, Philippines.