On first love

They say you never forget a first love.

Its memories are always sharpest, clearest, loudest, throbbing hardest in your heart. In the silences of your growing up, when frustrations and other worldly pains make life seem unbearable, we often transport ourselves to the times when everything was simpler, purer.

I believe it.

That’s why I wasn’t surprised to see so many familiar faces at the Coke Light Invitational Basketball Tournament (formerly The Philippine Star Friendship League) at the Meralco Gym last Saturday. It was slightly amusing, somewhat poignant, to find old pros trying to fit into new uniforms, and capture old glory.

Fellow STAR columnist Quinito Henson hit the nail on the head in his welcome remarks when he spoke of how the game enraptures those who play, when it overtakes everything else, when it becomes the here and now. It reminds me of Jonathan Livingston Seagull who said "Take away space, there is only Here. Take away time, there is only Now. And somewhere between Here and Now, we will be sure to meet." Well, the passion remains, and calls back all the old moments.

Coca-Cola Philippines president Genju Lapez voiced his gladness in supporting the tournament, and expressed his hope that next year, Coke would be able to field its own team, as its PBA rivals PLDT and Batang Red Bull were able to do this year.

And speaking of the participants, there were quite a few surprises, as well. RCBC, the defending champion, fielded as its "import" former Tanduay standout Aldrin Morante, who promptly drilled in 31 points, mostly from long range, and wiped out any chance of Sunkist to get its first win. Sunkist managed to reel in 7-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks and the original Mr. 100 percent, Norman Black (who were not allowed to play simultaneously, though), but fell by 11.

PLDT also made sure it would do well, bringing in ex-pros Frankie Lim, Josel Angeles and Gabby Cui. Consultant Bill Bayno scored 23 points, mostly on penetrations, proving he’s in game shape. They defeated the Batang Red Bull Barako squad, which bannered trainer Kirk Collier and former Negros Slashers coach Jojo Villapando.

Meanwhile, multiple print organization tournament champion The Philippine Star demolished new entry Core Automotive Resources, which had in its roster former Shell Turbocharger Aldo Perez.

It was funny how the mood became serious, especially for the teams that lost. Alas, that is how fickle a paramour basketball is. She will take the best of you, and you still want to get better, no matter how hard Father Time makes it.

I guess the same could be true of the former PBA players who make up the San Miguel Corporation North and South All-Stars. They just can’t stay away from the game. Over fifty inactive pros tried out, and now there is a large pool that traverses the country, answering invitations to play in town fiestas or other celebrations. Former San Miguel Beermen Samboy Lim and Hector Calma are still big draws for the North, while Bonel Balingit keeps them in stitches in the South.

Another flood of memories also came back for me at the Adidas Streetball Challenge Luzon Finals at the Robinson’s Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga, yesterday. I met former PBA Rookie of the Year and MBA coordinator Gil Cortez after a long while (he was coordinator for the event, as well) and the discussion inevitably turned to how we can’t stay away from the game, despite advancing age and weight.

Watching the games among the finalists from Naga, Baguio, Laguna and Pampanga, I couldn’t help but wonder how long I could be able to play my favorite sport, before shifting to something less physical and more mental, like darts or golf. Should I even entertain a wild (but unfulfilled dream) of trying out for a PBA team or entering the draft when I hit forty? What a story that would make. And what a trip.

You never do forget your first love. And for many "basketball widows" in this country, all we can ask for is a little understanding. Basketball is something you go looking for, but never someone you can come home to.

Alas.

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