Legends challenge youth to excel

MANILA, Philippines - A tribute to legendary Filipino athletes became a challenge for today’s generation to exceed the achievements of the past as 19 heroes were feted in a celebration of 100 years of Philippine sports at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila the other night.

The event was called “Gabi Ng Pagpupugay” and project organizer Taas Noo, Inc. pulled out all the stops in staging a memorable 2 1/2 hour travel through time. Broadcaster Chino Trinidad, who formed Taas Noo, said sports heroes of yesteryears should never be forgotten as he reminded the youth of their greatness in bringing honor to the country.

Trinidad couldn’t hold back his tears in recounting the last days of 1964 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Anthony Villanueva who recently died nearly penniless in Cabuyao, Laguna, after suffering a series of strokes and being bed-ridden for two years. He pointed to 1988 Seoul Olympic bronze medalist Leopoldo Serrantes who was in the audience and said it would be tragic if he suffered the same fate as Villanueva.

Serrantes, 52, lives on a P6,000 monthly pension from the PSC and can hardly pay for the medicine he needs for his chronic pulmonary illness. A companion carries a small oxygen tank wherever Serrantes goes in case of an attack of breathlessness. Trinidad said sponsors are stepping up to the plate for destitute sports legends. ALA Gym owner Antonio Aldeguer sent WBO lightflyweight champion Donnie Nietes from Cebu to attend the affair and give an undisclosed amount to Villanueva’s family in his behalf. Ever Bilena chairman and Blackwater Sports team owner Dioceldo Sy also handed out a sum to Serrantes.

Trinidad brought together sports stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow in weaving a story of legacy to inspire for the future. The crowd applauded basketball stars Ramoncito Campos, 89, Tony Genato, 85 and Loreto Carbonnel, 81, who all played for the Philippines at the 1956 Olympics. Campos also suited up at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics while Genato saw action at the 1952 Olympics and the 1954 FIBA World Championships in Brazil where the Philippines took third place. Other hardcourt heroes who were introduced on stage were four-time PBA MVPs Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio, Danny Florencio, Samboy Lim, Yoyong Martirez, Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris. Trinidad said it was fitting that legends like Genato were present to pass the torch to Pingris who will play for Gilas at the FIBA World Cup in Spain on Aug. 30-Sept. 14.

 In boxing, 1992 Olympic bronze medalist Roel Velasco and his brother Onyok, the 1996 Atlanta Olympic silver medalist, welcomed the emergence of amateur standouts Mark Anthony Barriga, Josie Gabuco and Mario Fernandez. They all appeared on stage together. Applauding in his seat was two-time world boxing champion Gerry Penalosa.

Two-time Olympian and bemedalled Southeast Asian Games swimmer Eric Buhain was called on to share his inspiring story. Buhain said he had a lung ailment as a boy and challenged himself to become a champion swimmer. The former PSC chairman mentioned that if he added the distance of miles swum in practice and competition, it would measure 1 1/2 times around the world. He swam twice a day, at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., in his pursuit of excellence.

“When my UAAP swimming record was broken after several years, I was asked how I felt and I replied I was happy,” he said. “I want to see athletes who are stronger, faster and better than us, to break our records. I’m hoping that one of our young athletes today will win the first Olympic gold medal for our country.”

Arianne Cerdena, who captured a gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in the demonstration sport of bowling, flew in from Los Angeles the day before to receive her “Pagpupugay” trophy. She was invited by Trinidad to attend the event on facebook. “I retired in 2002 and thought that was it, that whatever we did for our country would be forgotten,” she said. “I hope this recognition serves as an inspiration for our young athletes to excel.” Cerdena said a lot of hard work and sacrifice goes into winning a championship and thanked her father, husband and coach Toti Lopa for their support through the years.

Felix Barrientos, once the world’s No. 6 junior tennis player, said the secret to his success was believing in himself. “If someone had to die on the court, it wouldn’t be me,” he said. “I told myself Filipinos may be smaller and shorter but we’re world-class. I went out there believing I could beat anyone.” Asia’s first chess grandmaster Eugene Torre said the key is to love the sport you choose. “That love will make you work harder, sacrifice more to become better,” he said. World boxing champion Flash Elorde’s widow Laura said athletes should never sacrifice education. “I have three grandsons who are boxers but I didn’t allow them to box until they finished college,” she said.

Billiards wizard Efren (Bata) Reyes said when he started playing competitively overseas, the sport wasn’t taken seriously by media. He admitted initially going to the US to make some money betting on himself but wound up playing and winning in tournaments. Now, he said the sport is making headlines and young Filipino cue artists have taken the magic from his sticks. Reyes had the audience in stitches when he recounted why he doesn’t use dentures. “I was on a United Airlines flight once and the stewardess asked if I wanted to eat beef or chicken,” he said in Filipino. “I chose beef. When I chewed the meat, my false teeth came off. Then, I went to the restroom to throw my dentures.” Another billiards legend Django Bustamante introduced Reyes on stage.

The 19 athletes who received “Pagpupugay” trophies were Paulino Alcantara, Pancho Villa, Ceferino Garcia, Teofilo Yldefonso, Miguel White, Felicisimo Ampon, Ben Arda, Caloy Loyzaga, Elorde, Villanueva, Cerdena, Lita de la Rosa, Reyes, Simeon Toribio, Paeng Nepomuceno, Onyok Velasco, Bong Coo, Torre and Manny Pacquiao.

   Others recognized during the event included Filipino Special Olympians led by bowler Anton Silos, the Philippine Marines who spearheaded a peace project focused on football in war-torn Maguindanao, brothers Jacinto (1948 Olympics) and Pedro (1956 Olympics) Cayco of swimming, Azkals midfielder Chieffy Caligdong, former Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation president Antonio de las Alas’ daughter Ching Montinola, former football player Elmer Bedia, Alcantara’s grand-nephew Johnny Rocha, 1913 football and basketball player Vicente Avena’s son Ramon, 1992 Olympic taekwondo bronze medalist Stephen Fernandez, Philippine triathlon youth and swimming coach Anthony Lozada, 1972/1984 Olympic swimmer Jairulla Jaitula and 1984/1996 Olympic long jumper Elma Muros.