to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
Basketball is a team game. It is not a game of individual talents, but of how these individual talents contribute to a whole. Germany’s ascension as basketball’s world champions is a clear lesson in team chemistry, cohesion, discipline and more. Indeed, it is a most beautiful team game.
The FIBA World Cup has just begun. It is a fantastic spectacle to watch personally. With the 38 thousand fans breaking the record in the opening games, we foresee a full-house and a house on fire come the finals. To everyone, let’s enjoy the games. To our kababayans, let’s support this national event. Let’s showcase the hospitality we have been known for. Let’s show the world our love or this beautiful sport. Come and watch. Ang hindi manonood, pangit!!! 😦
Of course, as always, there were bashers as well, as some people still could not accept non-Philippine residents as members of the team. Truth to tell, majority of the players are based in foreign soil, mostly from the US of A. But that being said, that doesn’t make them any less Filipina if they’re part of the Philippine diaspora. Many of our kababayans may have left the country for better opportunities abroad, but you can still see their sense of identity and pride to be Pinoys. Do we disqualify them – or their kids – for wanting to find better opportunities elsewhere and yet still have the heart of a Filipino? These young ladies worked hard; put in their blood, sweat and tears to improve their craft; even spent their own money to organize and join Philippine football activities in far-off places. These ladies sacrificed much of their time, and worked hard to get where they are right now. They deserve a chance to play. And to make our country proud.
Who would have thought that a newbie in the world stage would be able to go this far? Who would have thought that a sports program with limited support from our government’s sports body would be able to reach for the stars? Who would have imagined that Filipinos from as far as California would take the time to search for Filipino talents and organize mini-tourneys – using their own funds, mind you – so that we may see the day when our flag is hoisted with the best of football’s best? Dreams do come true, dear friends, but only if we collectively put our hearts into it.
It is not enough that we recognize the need for a strong and credible defense posture. What is equally important is that we invest in the development of the local defense industry, so that we are never again hostaged by the non-availability of foreign stocks.
I had the rare privilege of knowing one of the these “Fighting Filipinos” when I joined the Scout Rangers back in 1978. MSgt Vic “Fatal Blow” Galvan was then the Sgt Major of the newly-revived Scout Ranger Group (SRG). He was such a stickler for hard training, always stressing that famous line: “The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in combat”. He would regale us with stories of the big war in Korea; of the dangers, the difficulties, and the pain of losing close comrades.
Color My World 