Former PBA radio anchor Ed Tayag was also an executive assistant in the Land Transportation Commission during former President Cory Aquino’s time. After this stint, he served as chief of staff for Hermie Aquino in Congress. After suffering misfortune in the States, all was lost.
"Nawala lahat. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako magsisimula," he said, recalling the days that followed his traumatic experience inside the University of California Hospital where he was confined for eight months, over which period he underwent seven major injuries and was comatose for over two months. Naturally, when one falls down, one has to start from the bottom. In the States, it’s called odd jobs.
Tayag first worked as a valet parker. Then he became an evening manager, stationed at the front desk of a condominium. He also had experience working as a car salesman. Soon he became an account executive for an insurance company. Slowly he was building his life back.
"When I was working for United Health Plan, I saw an ad in the papers saying they were looking for eligibility workers with the county of Los Angeles," Tayag said.
Eligibility workers, Tayag explained, are the people who take care of the funding of the homeless. He actually applied for the position at the Department of Public Social Services, but got hired by the Department of Children and Family Services. His duty was to take care of the funding for abused, battered and neglected children. After a few years, Tayag was promoted. He now manages the adoption program for the whole Los Angeles County.
"Yung mga hindi mo makukuha sa Pilipinas, makukuha mo dito. Not because of connection. Hard work lang. Hard work, use your head, be honest, be sincere, and you get everything," he said.
He may have been unlucky at one point in his life, but apparently Tayag has passed that particular test. Now, he claims to live a "blessed" life.
Apart from the good-paying job which he loves, Tayag says he can’t stop thanking the Lord for giving him his pride and joy. Katherine, his 17-year- old daughter is now a full scholar at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The State of Nevada gave her a State scholarship after she graduated top of her class from high school. She wants to become a doctor but is taking nursing now, "just in case tamarin na mag-aral."
"I only take care of her food money and share in the apartment," beamed Tayag. His son, Tim (20), is a fitness trainer at 24-hour Fitness. And his youngest daughter, Erin (8), is enrolled in grade school.
He still thinks of basketball; still remembers the PBA.
"I miss the fans. Filipino fans are fantastic. They would be very emotional about their idols. I did games where I got carried away ‘cause fans were chanting Jaworski’s name in the background," Tayag said. "They would line up early. They would spend their own money for their idols. I would see fans give gifts like t-shirts, whatever, galing sa baon ng mga estudyante," he recalled.
He misses his stint as an anchor, albeit not because of the monetary aspect. (If you want to make money, stay out of sportscasting.)
"In fact ‘yung talent fee ko sa radio and then later on sa tv, kulang ‘pag pumupunta kami ng Faces," Tayag said.
But it was during these days when he met friends who helped him get past the tough times.
"Boss Bobong Velez was a nice guy. In fact he sent me a check when I was sick. He didn’t have to do it. I know I was not that close to Bobong. He’s a big man, and I’m just a broadcaster. But he knew me by name," Tayag said of his former boss.
Those were the days when the microphone was Tayag’s best friend. Now it’s over. Unlike PBA anchor Vito Lazatin whose mic is only temporarily turned off, Tayag has already rolled the end credits to his PBA broadcasting stint. The microphone is turned off forever.
For this writer, the mic is indefinitely off. There were plans to go back and work on this PBA season. But a decision had to be made.
Living the American dream doesn’t come without trade offs. Working through odd jobs can be unsettling. Going back to one’s passion is the saner choice.
But something happens whenever one steps out of his/her comfort zones. Reflection happens when there’s a break in the routine. And even when the mic is turned off — temporarily, permanently or indefinitely, the show must go on.
Happy 51st birthday to Willy So! Before anything else, I’m a daughter.