Return to Abu Dhabi

It was a small, unheralded triumph, like most breakthroughs are. But it united citizens of two countries, and brought joy and inspiration to Filipinos battling loneliness in an alien land.

The Cebuana Lhuillier International Basketball Clinic at the Al Wahda gym in Abu Dhabi was a runaway success. Camp director Boycie Zamar and drillmaster Beaujing Acot — both of the RP Cebuana Lhuillier coaching staff — were expecting 50 or 60 students. They wound up with 100 kids, including 30 Arab children, another first.

"The United Arab Emirates is a very young country, so this is probably the first time a basketball clinic like this has been held," explains Acot, who is also head coach of the Benedictine International School Tiger Sharks. "And this is definitely the first time Arab and Filipino children have played together."

Acot first visited the UAE last April, but was recognized by the Filipinos there because he was featured training children on The Basketball Show, which is shown on The Filipino Channel there. As a result, he was approached by Alex Ricalde, a prominent member of the Samahang Batangueño there. Ricalde’s son, 16-year old, 6’4" Ian, wanted to become a basketball player. He now plays for Acot, and joined the instructors in the clinic..

"I’m telling you, Ian was like a rock star," Acot says. "The kids and adults alike were surprised at how quickly he developed. Just a few months ago, he couldn’t even run. Now, he’s teaching them drills."

The event was promoted heavily on "Pinoy Atin ‘To," the only Filipino radio station in the UAE, and newspapers and Filipino schools there.

"They were so excited to see us, especially coach Boycie," Acot added. "They know what’s happening in basketball back home. Many feel sad whenever we lose in international competition. The Arabs look down on us whenever that happens."

What amazed and impressed the coaches was the culture of respect the Filipinos have maintained in the Emirates. Children call all their elders "tito" or"kuya" and bless them every chance they get. They are also very patriotic.

The UAE has rapidly become one of the most advanced countries in the world. The former exporter of pearls discovered oil a few decades ago, and has plowed its vast revenues into infrastructure and benefits for its people. The Filipino coaches learned that the government covers the housing, water and electricity of its more productive residents. And if you have a sterling performance, they cover your offsprings’ education. On top of that, some Filipino schools will give free education for every fourth child. In short, you wouldn’t want to leave.

Acot adds that the Filipinos were so overwhelmed with their learnings, they’re already planning the next trip back. There is a great demand, not just for technical knowledge in basketball, but just to meet known hoops personalities and hear stories from home. At the same time, our overseas countrymen also express their desire to see the country succeed in their favorite sport. When the country does well, they hold their heads high, walk proud, work harder, and feel closer to one another.

It seems that for our countrymen abroad, sports is not a luxury, but a necessity. And the presence of coaches from our own national team was a proper Christmas blessing.