But when they filed into the building’s massive lobby, they saw a large catwalk, and a full set-up of lights and a sound system that floored them. And, truth be told, the presence of professional female models (who would vamp before the players took their turn) made them even more nervous. By the final walk-through Thursday afternoon, some of them were sweating as if they’d just played 48 minutes.
"It’s really the opposite, because on the court, we’re used to running," jokes Sunkist-UST’s Alex Compton in perfect Pilipino. "Here, if we run, we don’t get playing time. We have to be a little smug when we walk. It shouldn’t be too hard."
Joining Compton were the RFM group’s Elmer Yañga and Eric Reyes; Olsen Racela and Boybits Victoria of San Miguel Beer; Johnny Abarrientos, Poch Juinio and Gec Chia of Coca-Cola; Coach Ryan Gregorio, Paul Artadi and PJ Simon of Purefoods; and Roy Billanes of St. Francis of Assisi.
"It’s fun and scary at the same time," revealed Poch Juinio, who doesn’t fear anyone on the basketball court. "I’ll just follow instructions. They said it’s okay to smile."
"Definitely, we’re not wearing shorts tonight," San Miguel Beer’s Olsen Racela smiled. "It’s going to be a different Olsen, a different Boybits, a different Johnny. We’ll be looking very neat and very cute. We’re not used to this, so it’s exciting."
"It’s a change of activity for us, so I hope we can give enjoyment to the audience," Mr. Yañga said during rehearsals. He actually drew a huge applause as he opened the show by sauntering out by his lonesome in a gleaming all-black ensemble that highlighted his silver mane.
But even if most of the players were modeling in groups, they still couldn’t help but feel the butterflies in their stomachs.
"I’m really nervous," said Boybits Victoria. "I never imagined I’d Never be a ramp model. But I’m with my teammates and friends from basketball, so that helps me relax."
There was also a lot of joking around backstage. Olsen and Boybits were wearing deep green and red silk shirts and ties, respectively, under their suits, and the other players were greeting them Merry Christmas. Poch Juinio and Eric Reyes were being called "James Bond" and "Tony Ferrer" because of their secret-agent retro black turtleneck sweaters and corduroy outfits. And everyone had suggestions on everybody else while Madge Lejano of Cinema Secrets was applying their make-up.
"All I have to do is just walk," says Ryan Gregorio, who’s more used to giving instructions than receiving them. "I hope I don’t make a mistake with the blocking, the movements that we practiced. It’s really a pressure-packed conference for me (in the PBA). So this is one way of relieving the stress."
"I think this is gonna be a lot of fun," added Gec Chia. "I’m having a lot of new experiences from this."
And how strong were the mixed emotions of the other players who were thrust into this kind of spotlight for the first time?
"That’s what I’ve been asking myself," admits Johnny Abarientos. "Because when they measured us, they said it was just for fun, katuwaan lang. But when I entered the ground floor, I started looking for the exit. This is serious! In basketball, we’re playing defense, we’re protecting our court. Here, you’re all on your own."
"I just want to have fun," says Paul Artadi. "If we’re tense, it won’t look so good. So we’ll just relax."
"Wow. I feel conscious, because we’ve been doing basketball for a long time already, we don’t get nervous, even in the last two minutes," explains Eric Reyes. "But here, just coming out on the ramp, you feel it, you don’t really know what to expect, how people will react while you’re walking. The most important thing is that we’ll be able to project ourselves."
Overall, the organizers were ecstatic with the audience’s response, particularly when fans mobbed the players after their turn on the catwalk. They realized just how much people love basketball in this country.
Maybe you should take them on tour.