A time for heroes

It is the worst of times, and yet the best of times. It is our most vulnerable, yet shining moment. Time and again, it proves that sports is more than just a game.

Let’s also remember that the one thing we are victims of is what happens to us. But we have full control over our response to it. We have heard all the horror stories, some piercing us deeply because they afflicted us directly through personal tragedy or people we know.

It is a very real experience we cannot deny. Many people we know were hurt. We mourn the loss of Barako Bulls PBA representative Tony Chua.

We’ve seen Ondoy devastate the homes and lives of many in the sports fraternity: Koy Banal, Eddie Laure, Jai Reyes, many other PBA, PBL, UAAP and NCAA players and officials. San Miguel Beer assistant coach Freddie Abuda’s son, France, was missing over the weekend, but was thankfully found even as the Beermen were stranded in Pangasinan.

There are so many sad stories.

But there are also tales of quiet heroism, some luckily caught by the media. Laborer Muellmar Magallanes would never have won an Olympic gold medal, but he has done something not even Michael Phelps has dreamt of. With the help of an older brother, Muellmar dove into the murky, roiling floods brought by Ondoy, and personally save more than 30 people, keeping their families intact until he himself, exhausted and spent from his superhuman effort, was carried away by the merciless waters. How many others have done the same, albeit away from the spotlights?

There are many other stories that we should bear witness to.

Students, private citizens, businessmen came out of their own fear, grief and shock to pull together and help. You see it everywhere, people putting away their uniforms, setting aside their important duties for what really matters, melding into a vast unified team, surging outward to lend a hand. Real life reflecting the games we play. Finding a way when there seems to be none. Letting go of old hang-ups, old ways, to learn new ways to get ahead. Together. No sides, no competition. Everybody wins.

The big guns also have weighed in. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has organized a benefit game that will hopefully not be pushed aside by the new super typhoon. Our basketball leaders have pledged huge amounts that will hopefully make a big dent in the misery of our countrymen. Players from every sector have agreed to play for the cause. ABS-CBN has even set up collection booths at the UAAP Finals at Araneta Coliseum and the NCAA games at The Arena in San Juan.

Manny Pacquiao has donated P1 million, and hopes to make the perilous trip down to Metro Manila to help in relief efforts. Promoter Bob Arum, who visited the country again to check on his prized fighter, also forked over the same amount. For them, it may be a drop in the bucket, but it’s a well of hope for the many people who are thirsty for relief.

I am also particularly proud of my partners on Hardball, Boyet Sison and Jinno Rufino. Though the program was preempted Monday evening, each of us went out of our way to help, either personally or through our connections. Despite lack of sleep, Boyet volunteered to help in the emergency coverage, and even assisted in repacking relief goods at the ABS-CBN facility on Scout Bayoran. Jinno and his friends found means to reach those most isolated from the rest through their vehicles and other resources. I found myself giving away sacks of old shirts and helping out at relief centers, as well. I relied that, this time, being physically large is an advantage, because my old clothes can fit anybody.

It’s been said that adversity introduces a man to himself. Will you like the person you meet?

* * *

The impact of Letran’s victory over San Sebastian College last week did more than just stain the Stags’ unbeaten record. It also denied them a straight pass into the NCAA finals. As of now, the Stags lead the league with a 15-1 card, followed by San Beda and JRU with 14-1 records. This is the scenario with two games to go for each team and one for Letran before yesterday’s game against San Beda. Since SSC-R still has to face both San Beda and JRU, it would be very possible for either or both the Red Lions or Heavy Bombers to tie San Sebastian at 15-3. On the other hand, assuming San Sebastian stays on top, Letran, their likely Final Four opponent, would have sent a message: you’re not invincible.

Things have just gotten more interesting.