Suddenly, speechless

There was a lump in my throat when I walked up to the podium on stage and steadied myself to deliver a short acceptance "speech" after receiving the trophy in the "Best Sports Column" category of the 27th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in the RCBC Plaza, Makati, last Monday.

Before the announcement of the winner, I sat nervously beside my wife Menchu and daughter Cristina. It wasn’t because I was afraid my name wouldn’t be called. To be a finalist in the CMMA is honor enough.

My daughter held my hand and noticed it was cold and sweaty. "Pop, you’re nervous," she said. I nodded my head.

In the CMMA souvenir program, I found out there was only one finalist in the "Sports Column" category. So when I signed up at the registration table before entering the auditorium, the receptionist already congratulated me for being a sure winner.

There were over 250 finalists in more than 50 categories in the student, print, advertising, radio, internet, television, music and cinema divisions. The "Best Sports Column" award was being given for the first time in CMMA history and it was the only award where the winner was unopposed.

But it wasn’t the thought of winning–or losing–that made me nervous. It was the thought of receiving such a prestigious award and living up to the CMMA’s lofty standards.

The Archdiocese of Manila, through the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, organized the CMMA in 1978 in observance of the International Social Communications Day, which was established by the Universal Church "to stress the importance of mass media and to instill a sense of responsibility in communicators."

In 1980, Pope John Paul II graced the awarding ceremonies and personally handed out the trophies to the winners during his visit to Manila. The Pope’s historic presence immortalized the significance of the CMMA.

"I would ask you always to be keenly aware of your responsibility," the Pope told media practitioners. "The images you film, the sounds you record, the programs you broadcast cross every barrier of time and space, what people see and hear in your transmissions and commentaries heavily influence the way they think and act."

The Pope’s words were on my mind as I was about to speak on stage.

Suddenly, I was speechless and my heart started beating fast. In all my years as a sports broadcaster, I had never felt this way. I had never been as nervous.

"I’m known to be a talker but tonight, I’m speechless," I started out. My heart skipped a beat. I took a deep breath.

Then, collecting my thoughts, I proceeded to thank all those who’ve played a big part in my writing career.

First, I praised the Lord for this blessing. I thanked the CMMA Foundation for the recognition. The CMMA Board, incidentally, is made up of highly-respectable individuals–Archbishop of Manila Most Rev. Guadencio Rosales as honorary chairman, Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua as chairman, Antonio Henson (no relation) as vice president, Juan Dayang as secretary, Philip Juico as treasurer and Engineer Feorello Bote, Gen. Manuel Roxas, Lovely Romulo and Evelina Atienza as members and Quintin Pastrana as project director.

The CMMA souvenir program listed the names of the 53 judges who chose the winners. They were a mix of academicians, advertising executives, public relations practitioners, academicians, writers, priests, business executives and Catholic lay leaders. Two familiar names were Mowel Fund executive director Boots Anson-Roa and RFM Corp. consultant Elmer Yanga.

In my remarks, I dedicated the award to the shining light in The Philippine STAR—the paper’s founding chairman Mrs. Betty Go-Belmonte whom I said was "our inspiration in The STAR." Mrs. Belmonte embodied the high principles, morals and values that The STAR is known for.

I went on to thank—for their support, trust and confidence—The STAR’s chairman and publisher Max Soliven, president Miguel Belmonte, editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, sports editor Lito Tacujan and the entire sports staff.

I wish I had all the time in the world to name each and every one in the sports staff. But since we were given only a minute to deliver our remarks, I just cited Lito and "the entire sports staff." Of course, aside from Lito, the staff is composed of Gerry Carpio, Dante Navarro, Nelson Beltran, Abac Cordero, Joey Villar, Joel Cortez, Glenn Rendon, Ed Caburian and Raquel Pantig. I must also mention the invaluable assistance of Ronnie Ramos in our work.

Finally, I thanked the loves of my life—my wife and my daughter who were in the auditorium cheering for me. And I mentioned, too, my mother Marina who turns 90 on Dec. 18 and who brought me up to be a strong practicing Catholic.

The CMMA trophy is a prized treasure. The base of the trophy simulates a rock, the symbol of CMMA’s steadfast commitment. On the rock are two curved figures pointing upwards. They represent the CMMA"s vision of a transformed Philippine society through the responsible use of mass media. One of the figures is a mirror, which represents the Christian character of mass media or the reflection of the beauty and truth of Christ through audio-visual media and brings about the total human development of its recipients.

The two figures are joined together at the base, reflecting a harmonious relationship and symbolic of the Mother and Child—Mary, the Blessed Mother of the Church and the Child Jesus who is the first Communicator.

Now, you know why I had the lump in my throat. After all, the CMMA trophy is the recognition of mass media as a vehicle to promote "the service of understanding among peoples." It comes with a burden of responsibility that is both a challenge and a tribute.

I will always cherish this award.