Diary of the return of Quick Brown Fox

In July, Philippine basketball fans will get the rare opportunity to meet a true model citizen and basketball legend. Ricardo Brown, christened “The Quick Brown Fox” by sports broadcasting icon Joe Cantada, will return home to the Philippines after many years’ absence at his own initiative.

The former Pepperdine standout will make his first public appearance at Robinson’s Manila on July 12 at 5 p.m., kicking off a series of meet and greet occasions he specifically requested for. The tour is being organized by promoter Tet Andolong, one of the country’s most beloved figures in motor sports. But what nobody knows is that Brown himself is happier than the fans that he will set foot on Philippine soil once again.

The 1983 PBA Rookie of the Year and 1985 PBA MVP had been corresponding with this writer for over a year, even prior to his rekindling great memories through his Vintage PBA album on Facebook. He constantly expressed his deep longing to come home, even saying he wanted to spend his last days in this country. Here are excerpts from our exchanges which give you peek at how Brown, the gold standard for basketball-playing Fil-Ams, has wanted to fill a void left by his parting from his mother country. He first hinted at a return almost a year and a half ago.

“Feb. 27, 2011 I miss home too much... I have plans to return in the very near future. All the best, Bill, it really is great to hear from you! God Bless always. Ingat ka lagi - Ricky.”

The principal of Ross Middle School in Cerritos, California later added a comment on his Facebook album: “I created this for the great fans of Philippine basketball and specifically for those who were so wonderful to me during my 10 years playing there. I am planning to do a book, as well, on my 10 years in Manila and the first Fil-Am to play in the PBA. The fans are very receptive to the potential book... if a publisher comes through, we’ll make it happen. It will be my special gift to the fans, and the proceeds will be donated to a good cause in the Philippines. I am determined to make this happen.”

“My purpose was to allow the fans of the PBA during my playing days to simply view these images and reminisce... bring a smile or two, or maybe even a tear, as they reflect on not only basketball during those times, but also their own lives. It has been fantastic, Bill. The responses and messages to me have brought me to tears several times.”

The following day Brown, a pillar of the dominant Great Taste Coffee franchise in the 1980s, shared a secret not too many people knew: how he almost became a Crispa Redmanizer.

“Feb. 28, 2011 There’s no way around the controversial aspect of my career considering that I came over with Boss Danding and that very controversial RP Team, was a Redmanizer until the last minute before the 1983 Draft, then to GTC for four straight titles, a major ‘facial change’ that caught me off guard at GTC in 1987, and finally my move to SMB, which was really an amazing development that very few know about. Yes, many things to share, Bill.”

Brown has always reveled in his Filipino heritage, and relishes his accomplishments and close connection with countrymen in California.

“I am the first Fil-Am (or Filipino) to be a Principal in the distinguished ABC Unified School District. I’m very proud of that distinction,” explains Brown, father of two college-age boys. “Two Board of Education members are Pinoy. There are many Filipinos in the area, and that has been fantastic for me. I stop at Mabuhay Kitchen and Valerio’s Bakery twice weekly and not only is their food as good as it gets, the interaction with the many Filipino establishment owners and patrons bring me right back to Manila!”

In March of last year, Ricky added more than 80 photos to his online album, again creating a sensation for PBA fans. This, in turn, added fuel to his fire to return to the country. He reflected on his career, and his overriding intention to eventually stay for good, either as an ambassador for the PBA, a consultant, or in some other capacity.

“I love my work, but the desire to return to Manila soon, and in the future, permanently, outweigh everything,” he stresses. “This is not a ‘stop and go’... this is for real and from my heart.”

More on Ricardo Brown’s return next week.