Lighter side of sports

In the Year of the Dragon, we’re hoping for good things to happen. Let’s welcome 2012 not just with a bang but also with a smile. So in today’s column, we might be a little corny or trying too hard to be funny but it’s our sincere attempt to put a smile on your face, to forget our problems for a while and to spread good cheer in the spirit of the holiday season. Please bear with us as we recognize our favorite sports personalities.

Most grateful PBA players – TY Tang and Eric Salamat.

Zoo brigade – Talk ‘N’ Text PBA Governor Pato Gregorio, Doug Kramer, Leo Najorda, Mike (Cool Cat) Cortez, Jimmy (Mighty Mouse) Alapag, Dorian (Junkyard Dog) Pena.

Heads of state – Jimbo and J. R. Aquino, Mark Macapagal, Jay Washington, Gabe (Mr. President) Norwood.

All-Amboys – Willie Miller, Jayson Castro, Gabby Espinas, Topex Robinson.

Little big men – JVee Casio, Mark Barroca, Rob Labagala, James Martinez, Celino Cruz, Rudy Lingganay, Mico Halili.

Shining examples of hair grooming – Yeng Guiao, Mark Isip, Mick Pennisi, Homer Se, Chiqui Reyes.

Love teams of the year – Jimmy Alapag and L. J. Moreno, Dondon Hontiveros and Valerie Concepcion, Alex Cabagnot and Ginger Conejero, Eric Menk and Erin Campos, Don Allado and Maricar de Mesa, Doug Kramer and Cheska Garcia, Nonito Donaire, Jr. and Rachel Marcial.

Gwapings gang – Ryan Gregorio, James Yap, Rey Guevarra, Marc Pingris, John Wilson, J. C. Intal, Wesley Gonzales, Ryan Arana, Tony de la Cruz, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Larry Fonacier, Dylan Ababou, Jared Dillinger, Richard del Rosario, Aaron Atayde, Jason Webb, Magoo Marjon, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.

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Mr. Universe candidates – Ali Peek, Rob Reyes, Sol Mercado, Alex Crisano.

Millionaires’ row – Rich Alvarez, Jvee Casio, PSC chairman Richie Garcia.

Many Manny’s club – PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan, WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, POC first vice president Manny Lopez, Barako Bull PBA governor Manny Alvarez.

PBA player with the most kissable tattoo – Gary David who busses wife Jenny Rose’s image on his bicep before every free throw.

Masters of repetition – Dondon Hontiveros, Mac-Mac Cardona, Ren-Ren Ritualo, BamBam Gamalinda, Jojo Duncil, Jayjay Helterbrand, Bonbon Custodio.

Kings in the kingdom – Chot Reyes, Ryan Reyes, Jay-R Reyes, Rob Reyes.

Most religious in the PBA – Arwind Santos, Elmer Espiritu, Joel and Coy Banal.

Undrafted PBA survivors – Josh Urbiztondo, Chico Lanete, J. R. Aquino, Jerwin Gaco, Mark Yee, Dennis Daa, Mark Canlas, Vaughn Canta.

Father-and-son bloodlines – Bobby and Bobby Ray Parks, Norman and Aaron Black, Bong and Kiefer Ravena, Benjie and Andre/Kobe Paras, Alvin and Jeric/Jeron Teng, Romy and Billy Mamaril, Florendo and Ren-Ren Ritualo, Ato and Marc Agustin, Peter and Japeth Aguilar, Freddie and Paolo Hubalde.

Crack marksmen – Mark Cardona, Mark Isip, Mark Macapagal, Mark Yee, Mark Borboran, Mark Canlas, Marc Pingris, Marc Agustin, Mark Caguioa.

Tocayos front and back – Paul Lee, Artadi and Sorongon, Pamboy and Kerby Raymundo, John and Willy Wilson, Bo Perasol and Beau Belga, J. R. and Jimbo Aquino, Rico Maierhofer and Villanueva, Alex Crisano and Cabagnot, James and Roger Yap, Joshua Urbiztondo and Vanlandingham, Chris Timberlake, Lutz and Ross.

Best-known initials – J. C. Intal, Jay-R Reyes, J. R. Quinahan, J. R. Sena, JVee Casio, R. J. Jazul, P. J. Simon, L. J. Moreno, J. R. Aquino, PBA vice-chairman and Powerade PBA governor J. B. Baylon, L. A. Tenorio, K. G. Canaleta.

Shooters’ gallery – Jeff Chan, Gary David, James Yap, Josh Urbiztondo, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Sol Mercado, Ronjay Buenafe, Marcio Lassiter, Jvee Casio, Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, Dondon Hontiveros, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Ryan Reyes, Willie Miller, Ronald Tubid, Mark Macapagal, Sunday Salvacion, Mike Cortez.

Hairstyles of the year – Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Mark Caguioa, Chris Ross, Asi Taulava.

 Slammers, Inc. – K. G. Canaleta, Arwind Santos, Kelly Williams, Japeth Aguilar, Joe DeVance, Jay Washington, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood.

Scrappers, unlimited – Harvey Carey, Willy Wilson, Marc Pingris, Sean Anthony, Doug Kramer,  Ryan Arana, Jireh Ibanes, Ronnie Matias, Wynne Arboleda, Aaron Aban, Ronald Tubid, Ogie Menor.

 Where are they now? – Dennis Espino, Marlou Aquino, Mark Andaya.

Mid-air suspension experts – Cyrus Baguio, Joseph Yeo, Gary David, Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado, Ryan Arana, Danny Seigle, Willie Miller, Bonbon Custodio, Jojo Duncil, Jayson Castro.

All the best for 2012!