MANILA, Philippines – The mood of the crowd who waited for hours just to get a glimpse of tennis superstar Rafa Nadal at the hot, humid Colegio de San Agustin Gym was somber, all in quiet anticipation of his arrival.
When he came, the venue erupted in with excitement.
The King of Clay has arrived.
As soon as Nadal came into the building, he walked straight up to an air-conditioned room where he rested for a bit before going down again for another secluded area for a very brief press conference.
Nadal, who is in the country to compete in the International Premier Tennis League for the Indian Aces, quickly told mediamen he is putting up a tennis school named after him to teach Filipino kids about the game and life.
"Sometimes life is not important to have people to have you. To be an example to everybody. Just to help a little bit. To help and work and give opportunities to the kids," said Nadal in a briefing arranged by Globe.
Nadal, who is one of the greatest players that ever lived and arguably the best on clay, and is uncle, Tony Nadal, took turns in hitting some shots with the selected kids from various schools including fast-rising age-grouper Rafaella Villanueva, who was incidentally named after the Spanish champion.
More than tennis, Nadal wants to preach life itself.
"I want to teach not just the sport but also living life the right way," he said.