Why the fuss?

Coca-Cola team manager Hector Calma was on the line yesterday wondering what the fuss was all about.

Calma, who is Coca-Cola’s representative in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board of Governors, said he’s been approached by reporters and fans asking if it’s true the Tigers were treated shabbily by their hosts in recent out-of-town games in Bogo, Cebu, and Balanga, Bataan.

Not true, said Calma in his usual unruffled style, living up to his name.

But Calma admitted the bus that picked up the team at the San Miguel Corp. complex in Mandaluyong for the trip to Bataan came about two hours late.

"The bus was arranged by the hosts and came from Bataan to pick us up," related Calma. "Most of the players were at the pick-up point as early as 7 in the morning. We were told the bus would be there at 7:30. We were scheduled to leave at 8. When there was no sign of the bus at 7:30, I asked our liaison officer to find out what happened. Was I fuming? I don’t think so. I’m not the type. I just wanted to know what time the bus was coming."

It was a Wednesday, the day before the Tigers played San Miguel Beer last April 28.

Finally, the bus arrived at 9:30.

"I understand there was a miscommunication involving the organizers," continued Calma. "That’s why the bus was late. The 2 1/2 hour ride was smooth. We rode in a comfortable, air-conditioned tourist bus. When we arrived in Bataan, Congressman Albert Garcia himself went to our practice and apologized for the bus coming late. Nakakahiya nga. Si Congressman pa ang nagpaliwanag when no problem naman ‘yon. We just called to check what time it was coming."

Then there was the issue of the accommodations. The talk was the Tigers didn’t relish the overnight stay at a "motel."

"That’s unfair," said Calma. "We were happy staying at the Raven Resort, where we stayed. The owners, Lydia and Nick Soriano, took good care of us. It’s a brand-new inn and Shell also stayed there. The players stayed two to a room. We also had three single private rooms kaya we were quite comfortable. The food was good and the accommodations were excellent. No complaints whatsoever."

As for the game, the Tigers hacked out a pulsating 115-112 double overtime victory over the Beermen.

Bataan fans got their money’s worth and a rare treat as in the first game of a doubleheader, Purefoods snapped a five-game losing streak to upend Shell, 95-92. A 30-minute brownout hit the stadium but that hardly dampened the fans’ spirits.

Calma got home at 2:30 the next morning, with a big smile on his face. The Tigers were back on the winning track.

What about the Bogo experience?

Calma said the Tigers took a three-hour bus ride from Cebu City to Bogo to play Alaska.

"The bus driver was a little reckless so we complained about him," said Calma. "The driver was immediately replaced. Things like that happen."

PBA commissioner Noli Eala said the league’s out-of-town events are being arranged by a professional group called T&G headed by multi-awarded tourism practitioner Patrick (Pato) Gregorio.

"It’s all about generating savings for the PBA," said Eala. "Pato uses his tourism connections to get the PBA the best rates available. We wouldn’t be able to get those rates otherwise. Pato’s helping us out because of his love for the game and commitment to our league. His brother, of course, is Ryan. This is an investment for him so he’s not out to turn a profit. He believes the PBA’s goodwill will open up doors for him in his other tourist projects. Pato’s reputation as a professional tourism practitioner is widely known. We’re just happy to be working with his group."

Eala said the PBA’s dealings with T&G are above board, transparent and clear-cut.

Bringing the PBA to the provinces isn’t easy. The logistical arrangements are a nightmare. And there will be kinks along the way. Some provincial sites may lack the facilities for a comfortable stay. But that’s part of life on the road in the PBA. Sometimes, the sacrifice is worth the effort of being able to reach out to fans who don’t ordinarily get a chance to watch the games.