September 2014 – favoritecupoftea

The sun has not yet risen, no sighting of open establishments and there were barely people around except for probably 15 of us patiently waiting by the gates. I vividly remember, it was 45 minutes past 5 in the morning. I woke up particularly jittery that day, as in the days before that. Why shouldn’t I be? I have watched all of Salinggawi’s prior performances only on TV and it frustrates me that I don’t have a ticket to watch their “Roar 4 More” performance yet. No, not this time, not again. I missed it on my 1^st year in College, I didn’t see the awesomeness of the “helicopter” live, I was not gonna let that happen again.

And so there I was, standing by the gate of Araneta Center Ticket booth before sunrise, desperately hoping that I could secure for myself and my friends a Standing Room Ticket (SRO) for the UAAP Season 65 Cheerdance Competition. There I was, together with some drivers and helpers made to stand in line for tickets, anticipating the opening of the ticket booth like waiting for Manna from heaven. I can still remember how I patiently pushed and shoved (hehe) some people who were trying to insert themselves before me. I felt like I had all the right, after all, I was up really early for this. They better be more diligent next time. Hehe 🙂

At around noon, the ticket booth opened and finally, me and my friends were able to purchase our tickets. We entered the Big Dome as soon as the gates open. We were in Upper B and were “supposed” to be on SRO. But since we are diligent, we came in way before those who purchased reserved seating tickets. So pasensyahan nalang, when they got in and found us comfortably and confidently sitting on their seats. Looking back, I want to thank them for their generosity and kindness, they didn’t bother us anymore and content themselves watching by the aisle. Way to go!

The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe successfully defended their crown that year. They set a record of four (4) straight wins. They went farther the next year as they “Jive for Five” and won yet again. They held the cheerdance championship for five (5) consecutive years (2002-2006), a feat that no other team in the UAAP has ever accomplished as of this date.

But Salinggawi went on a slow steep the years after, from a bridesmaid finish in 2007 and 2008, to falling in and out of the winning column, until their worst ranking in 2013 (7^th). Supporters and the crowd also began to diminish in numbers, haters and non-believers increased their base. Admittedly, Thomasians doubted Salinggawi. Wala na, tapos na ang glory years. Year after year, Salinggawi lost their clean and beautiful tosses and pyramids, no more graceful dances. Instead, there were so many falls and drops in the performances, magulo, mukhang masyadong kabado.

Salinggawi is derived from the Filipino phrase “Salin ng mga dating Gawi at Lahi”, which translates to “transfer of customs and traditions” in English. The dance troupe together with the UST Yellow Jackets took pride in passing on the excellence and winning tradition in the field of dance and cheering from one batch to another. Sadly, it looked like hindi naisalin ang nakaGAWIan in the past few years. It seemed like Salinggawi lost its identity. Madaming nagtatanong, nasaan na ang dating Gawi? Kelan kaya ito magbabalik?

Throughout the past eight (8) years, however, it appears that it is not only the Salinggawi which failed to pass on tradition. Because of the disappointing runs, the once vibrant and supportive Thomasian fan base became the primary doubters of the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Hindi rin naipasa ang nakaGAWIang pagsuporta at paniniwala sa Salinggawi.

Back then, almost half of the Araneta Coliseum was filled with yellow shirts and yellow balloons. It is true what they say, “listen to the Tigers ROAR”. As soon as the first drum beat is heard, the resounding “Go USTE” chant will envelope the entire Big Dome and you’ll feel goosebumps all over you. Thomasians were very proud of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Like what I did back in 2005 and 2006, we won’t hesitate to wrestle for tickets just so we can watch them perform live. We remain confident despite the angst and creativity of the UP Pep Squad and the clean execution by the FEU Cheering Squad. We did not fear, we did not doubt. We were sure that Salinggawi will always win. For years, ang nakagawiang buwis buhay na suporta ay naipasa at napanindigan ng mga Tomasino.

Things have changed for the worst for the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, unfortunately. Last Sunday, UST was almost just a speck in the crowd. The drums were still resounding but the “GO USTE” chant, no more. Mahina, walang gana.

This season, I finally watched the cheerdance competition live again, after years of absence. Yes, I too was hurt, devastated and disappointed. I cannot bear to watch the team I lined up for early in the morning lose like they don’t have any winning tradition under their belt. I cannot believe how a team which seemed so invincible loses their confidence to perform just like a snap of a finger. Yes, I too doubted the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. To be completely honest, I went to watch without any expectation that they will win. For that, I am sorry.

But despite it all, Salinggawi will always be Salinggawi. Amidst all the questions about their return, they trained and prepared regardless of the circumstances that befell them. Without a podium finish, they did not have a cash prize to work with and I am not even sure if they are getting enough financial support, but they did not stop. Neither were they disheartened by the fact that there was a 75% decrease in UST crowd attendance. Last Sunday, they went there to fight and win, for UST.

After placing 7^th last year, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is finally back on the winning column. They placed 3^rd to NU and UP, respectively. I was seated in the middle of the Adamson crowd (it was the only seat available) but I stood up and ever so proudly cheered, “Go USTE, Go USTE, Go! Go! Go!” I teared up and was so jubilant that I did not mind who will win the Championship. All that mattered was UST winning again! FINALLY!

Some may have probably said that we celebrate way too much, 3^rd place lang naman. But this is more than JUST a Second Runner-Up finish for us Thomasians and Salinggawi faithfuls. This is Salinggawi showing us all that they will never back down from a fight and that for as long as there is a single soul that believes, anything can happen. This is Salinggawi telling Thomasians to keep the faith and support them as they slowly try to get the crown back. This is Salinggawi telling Thomasians na hindi pa natatapos at kailanman hindi titigil ang nakaGAWIan. This is Salinggawi proving us that no matter what, they will stand and fight for UST.

Win or lose, in close margins and blow-outs, the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and Yellow Jackets, cheer our athletes. They never lose the heart to uplift Thomasian spirits in the audience even if our Tigers and Tigresses are obviously licking fatal wounds, some even self-inflicted. They were always the last ones to leave the court or any sports event. They were always all heart for UST.

As they take center stage yet again next year, and in the years to come, let us also go ALL HEART for them. Huwag bumitiw sa SalingGAWI. Tulungan natin silang makabalik sa dati nilang kinalalagyan.

Sabay sabay tayong bumalik sa nakaGAWIan.

Hulyo ng taong ito, nasa Alemanya ako. Unang tanghalian ko sa banyagang bansa at ang tanging pinag-uusapan, FOOTBALL. Kasadsaran noon ng FIFA Worldcup Championship sa Brazil. Hindi ako makarelate. Halos para akong pader sa harap na nakikinig lang sa usapan nila, minsan sinasabayan ko din ng ungol, “aah” “really?” “wow”. Napakafruitful ng aking mga inputs ano? Haha!

Inasahan ko na iyon. Wala akong alam sa Football, sa totoo lang, ang kakaunting interest na meron ako para sa laro ay dahil lang sa Azkals. Nagulat ang mga kasama kong banyaga, ang Aleman, tumingin sa akin, tinignan ako sa mata at gulat na gulat akong tinanong, “Filipinos are not into Football? Really?? What do Filipinos play?”

Ako na ngayon ang center of attention, ang nag-iisang tao sa table na di mahilig sa football. Ngumiti ako, sabay sabi, “Well, the Philippines loves Basketball!” Halos sabay sabay silang nagreact with eyes wide open, “REALLY?” May isang nangahas, tinanong ako, “I hope you don’t mind, but aren’t Filipinos short for Basketball?” Ulit, nakangiti akong sumagot, “Yes. But you know, we are going to the World’s this year.”

Pagkatapos ng dalawang buwan, tumuntong nga ang Pilipinas sa entablado ng World Basketball. Walang nakakakilala, walang nagmamatyag. Madaming nagduda. Napag-usapan lang daw ng kaunti dahil kay Andray Blatche, ang kanong ginawang Pilipino para lang makapaglaro para sa atin sa FIBA. Sabi nila ang basketball daw ay laro ng mga matatangkad, bakit ipinagpipilitan ng Pilipinas magbasketball? Mapapahiya lang daw tayo.

Bakit nga ba? Bakit ba nahihilig tayo sa mga bagay na sabi ng marami ay di naman para sa atin? Bakit tayo umaasa sa impossible? Basketball, as they say, is a tall man’s game. E di naman matangkad ang mga Pilipino.

Ang sagot, simple lang. Kasi ang Pilipino, PALABAN, may PANININDIGAN, may PUSO.

Marahil ginawa tayo ng Diyos para ipakita sa mundo na walang impossible, na kahit pa anong dagok ang pagdaanan, may magandang idudulot ang pagsisikap at paniniwala. Dahil ang Pilipino, kahit ilang beses madapa, tatayo at muling lalaban. Ang Pilipino, kahit kulang ang armas, kailanman hindi umaatras. Ang Pilipino, kahit gumapang sa hirap, ipaglalaban ang pangarap.

Aminado naman tayo, madalas underdog ang mga Pilipino. Lagi tayo “come from the behind.” Mapa-sports man or kahit ano pang larangan. But in weakness, we find our strength. Tulad nalang ng ipinakita ng Gilas na kahit hindi sila kasing tangkad at laki ng mga banyagang kalaban, kaya nilang lumaban and manalo. Mantakin niyo, muntik tayong makasilat ng panalo against Argentina, Croatia and Puerto Rico, isama mo pa ung Greece kung gusto niyo. Lahat close games, hindi na masama.

Humingit kumulang dalawang buwan na pag-eensayo, first time mag-laro as a team with Andray Blatche, first time din sa Worlds kahit ng mga coaches. Eyebrows really had to raise. International competition un eh, di summer league at lalong hindi exhibition game. Pero malakas ang loob ng Pilipino, lumaban at tumayo para sa Pilipinas. Naniwala silang bagamat mahirap, kakayanin para sa bayan. Pilipinong Pilipino, ika nga.

Sino nga naman ang mag-aakala na ang isang 5’7 inches at 36 year old na Kapitan ng ating koponan ay maihahantulad ng mga international sportscasters and analysts sa NBA Star ni JJ Barea? Ang daming nagdududa kung makakatres pa ba si Mighty Mouse sa harap ng mga 7footers na kalaban, kung importante pa ba ang leadership niya on the floor. Maliit na nga daw, matanda pa. Pero si Jimmy Alapag ay isang Pilipino, sinubok ng panahon, pinatibay ng pagkakataon. That game against Senegal, isa sa mga pinakamatangkad na team sa tournament, ay maaring ang kanyang huling international basketball game. Ngunit hanggang sa huling segundo, hindi siya nagpakita ng kahinaan ng loob. Hanggang sa dulo, lumaban at nanindigan, NANALO PARA SA BAYAN.

Naalala niyo nung nagposter dunk si Gabe Norwood, ang 6’6 forward ng Gilas against the 6’8 power forward ng Indiana Pacers na si Scola? Inakala ba nilang makakahirit pa siya ng isang monster slum in that same game? Sabi nila, magaling naman ung Norwood, mejo parang patpatin lang, di pang-international. Pero ni minsan, hindi nakitaan ng kahinaan ng loob ung Norwood sa isang buong linggong paglalaro. Ang galing dumipensa, nag top 1 play of the day pa ung dunk niya.

Iyong Pingris, purong Ilokano tulad ko. Pinoy Sakuragi kung tawagin ng marami. Magaling, lumalaban, all heart kahit may iniindang sakit. Pero may mga nagtanong, teka, ano height ni Ping? 6’5 lang un ah. Naku lagot na, makakarebound pa kaya? PERO PINOY SI PING, ILOKANO PA, descendant ni Diego Silang! (Love your own. Haha!) He didn’t falter. Nakipag-agawan sa rebounds laban sa 7 footer na kalaban, parang walang injury. Monster pa rin.

Madami din ang nagsabi tagilid din sina Tenorio, Castro at Lee. Oo may mga shooting at mabibilis, e halos hanggang baywang sila ng mga kalaban. Ngunit di sila nagpadaig, pinahabol at pinatakbo ang kalaban. Pinagod.

Si Jeff Chan, nagpakitang gilas sa umpisa palang against Croatia at kahit di na ulit nahanap ang shooting form, matapang paring naglaro para sa bayan. Matagal din akong naghintay ng dunk ni Japeth, sa wakas niyanig din niya ang ring nung laban against Senegal. Gaya ng “Kwentong Gilas” feature niya sa TV5, “Never Say Die.” Si El Granda, hindi pumutok pero hindi rin bumitaw sa laban. Siya nga ang “Dagul ng Dinalupihan.”

Hindi rin matatawaran ang tibay ng loob ni Ranidel de Ocampo, nakipaglaban sa rebounds, nagtres. Go hard ika nga lalo na at literal na hard ang mga kalaban. Kita naman nung huling laban against Senegal, nastapler ang ulo ni RDO samantalang ung isa, parang wala lang.

Bata pa, PBA MVP nga pero di pa kayang mag-international, yan ang sabi ng ilan kay Junmar Fajardo. Pero ang bata, ang pinakasteady sa huli. Ang future ng Philippine Basketball, ang Kraken. Isa sa pinakamalaking dahilan kung bakit nakasungkit tayo ng panalo sa World Cup. Kitang kita kay Junmar ang pagkaPilipino, hindi man madalas nagagamit nung unang mga laro, naghintay siya ng kanyang pagkakataon. Hindi sumuko, hindi pinanghinaan ng loob.

Free agent ngayon si Andray Blatche, may attitude problem pa daw kaya lalong wala pang kontrata sa NBA. Pero si Dray, beast mode the entire tournament. Nagpopoint guard pa nga kita niyo? Madaming nainis, oo nga nakakascore, okay din sa rebounds pero ang daming turn overs, masyadong bwakaw! First game palang, nainjure na pero hindi nagpa-sub. Halla sige, nanangalabaw parin. Amazing. Di ko alam kung anong attitude problem ang sinasabi nila, pero kung problema ung all heart ni Andray Blatche sa paglalaro, e di sige, okay lang.

Talong talo nga talaga tayo kung pati coach pag-uusapan ang height. Nung laro against Argentina, pati narin Puerto Rico, madami sa atin ang sinisi si Coach Chot. Pero kahanga hanga ang pag-ako niya ng pagkukulang. Huwag daw ang players ang sisihin, siya nalang kasi di siya makabuo ng magandang end game play. Pambihira, napakaselfless, very Filipino. Pero si Coach Chot, kasama pa si Norman Black, Jong Uichico at iba pang members ng coaching staff, naging cheering team narin. All heart. Full support.

Totoo nga, ang mga Pilipino, hindi genetically built to play basketball. Coming into the World Cup, we are one of, if not the, least experienced team there is. The odds were never in our favor.

Pero ang mga Gilas, mga Pilipino. PALABAN, may PANININDIGAN, may PUSO.

Sabi nga sa isang tweet, kung tayo sobrang nasasaktan na sa mga sunod sunod na close calls, ang Gilas pa kaya. Mahirap talaga maheartbroken ng apat na magkakasunod na pagkakataon. Lalo na kung buong puso kang nagmahal, kung buong puso mong ipinaglaban. Tayo nga nanood lang, nagcheer, sumigaw, sumuporta pero napakasakit na. Ilang beses ko din kinanta ang “napakasakit, Kuya Eddie” etong Linggong ito. Nakakatawa pero totoo. Sa sobrang involved at puyat ko, nagkasakit na nga ako. Pero tuloy ang suporta kahit noong eliminated na, kasi ang Pusong Pinoy, martir. Kahit nasasaktan at pinapaasa na, umiibig pa rin.

Minahal ng buong sambayanang Pilipino ang basketball. Bawat kanto may ring, minsan nga makeshift lang na nalilipat pag may pa-liga ang barangay. Kahit walang sapatos, kahit walang saplot, kahit tirik ang araw. Minsan nga, kahit walang makain, at kahit lasing. Makalaro lang ng basketball, solve na. Noong Yolanda nga, giba na ang mga bahay, wala ng masuot o makain, pero always present ang isang poste na may bilog na bakal, basta makapaglaro ng basketball, Masaya na.

We failed so many times in the past to qualify for the World Cup, lagi nalang may chance, pero hanggang dun nalang. But it is the Philippines’ love for basketball which brought us to the Worlds and secured us our first even win in the FIBA World Cup in 40 years.

Hindi lang talento o skill, pero ang laki ng tulong ng pusong Pilipino para makarating tayo dito. Ang pusong nagmahal, lumaban at nanindigan. Ang pusong kahit nasaktan ay patuloy na lumaban. Ang pusong di nawalan ng pag-asa.

Ang basketball at Pilipino, marahil ay hindi nga bagay at hindi meant to be. Pero ang Gilas pinatunayan, na ang Pilipino kailanman hindi mo malilimitahan. Maniniwala sa sarili, lalaban para sa pangarap, para sa bayan.

Subukan mong sabihing “hindi mo kaya yan” sa isang Pilipino. Subukan mo. Mapapahiya ka lang.