Night to remember

It had to be one of the most memorable PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Awards Night ever. Last Saturday, the PSA staged the annual “Oscar Night” for the country’s top athletes of the past year and paid tribute to legends whose contributions will forever be etched in the annals of Philippine sports.

The evening didn’t only belong to the present but also to the past and future. The PSA made sure there was recognition for the stars of the previous generation, the now and the next.

Rep. Manny Pacquiao once more made history by becoming the first active athlete to the Awards Night’s guest of honor and speaker. Even as he is now a legislator in the House of Congress, Pacquiao is the reigning WBO welterweight champion and considered the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound champion. His remarks reverberated before an admiring audience at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel as he spoke about being proud to be a Filipino among sports heroes who bring honor and glory to the country.

Pacquiao said in an expression of humility, there’s so much more to Philippine sports than boxing and saluted the athletes who have excelled for the country in other fields. He personally handed out the trophies to the night’s major awardees – Django Bustamante and Dennis Orcullo of billiards, Rey Saludar of amateur boxing and Biboy Rivera of bowling.

Video taken by Cris Cayanan

Everyone’s heart melted when lifetime achievement awardees Carlos (Sonny) Padilla, 76, and Virgilio (Baby) Dalupan, 87, received their long overdue citations. Padilla went up the stage, spoke extemporaneously and was serenaded by his granddaughter Karylle and daughter Zsa Zsa Padilla as an enthralled crowd watched. Dalupan, who can now only see shadows with his vision impaired by macular degeneration, spoke briefly to thank the PSA for the recognition.

Pacquiao was so touched by the presence of the two legends that he personally requested to take a picture with them. As if on cue, other VIPs in the hall stood up for a rare photograph with Pacquiao, Padilla and Dalupan. The VIPs were Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco, Jr., Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde and Sen. Tito Sotto.

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The tribute to sportsmen, athletes and members of the sports media who passed away last year was also heart-warming. Not only were the names mentioned one by one but a special video was shown to immortalize their memory. They were six-time Philippine Open golf champion and 10-time World Cup campaigner Celestino Tugot, former World Chess Federation president Florencio Campomanes, motorsports champion Kookie Ramirez, track and field coach Tatang de Vega, former San Beda and Ysmael Steel cager Cesar Jota, former PBA players Ric-Ric Marata and Botchok de los Santos, sports photographer John Paulino, sports editor Dina Marie Villena, sports editor and former BAP secretary-general Tito Perez de Tagle and sports editor Willie Caballes.

WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr., who is still in the US, sent a video thanking the PSA for his award in a surprise message. He attended the Awards Night last year. Donaire was represented by his mother-in-law Becky Marcial and sister-in-law Nicole. The award gained added significance for Donaire as it was announced on stage that he had just reconciled with his father Nonito, Sr. after a long estrangement. Donaire was cited for his three knockout wins last year over Manuel Vargas, Hernan Marquez and Vladimir Sidorenko. Since his sensational victory over Fernando Montiel happened just a few weeks ago, it will be a strong basis for a major award next year.

WBO women’s superbantamweight titlist Ana Julaton was also in the US and couldn’t attend but sent a message of thanks read on stage by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.

The Philippine Davis Cup team was recognized for its amazing feat of recovering from a 0-2 deficit to shock host Korea, 3-2, in an Asia-Oceania Group I duel last year. It was announced that the team had beaten Japan in doubles that morning in Cebu, triggering a round of applause. Unfortunately, the next day, Japan clinched the tie with a win in the first reverse singles.

The world men’s poomsae champion was honored and came in full force. Anthony Ray Matias, Jean Pierre Sabido and Brian Alan Sabido topped the first team male category at the fifth World Poomsae Championships in Tashkent last year. The category is the toughest of seven events and involved 27 teams from around the world with an age range of 14 to 35. The men’s team placed sixth in the same category last year. Matias and the Sabido brothers received their trophy with coach Igor Mella and Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Master Hong Sung Chon.