Misrepresentation

One of the largest Philippine contingents goes for gold at the world games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Yes, it is the world games, not the Southeast Asian Games. How come, or better yet, what has it become?

Gilas Pilipinas lost its 3x3 men’s basketball crown to unknown hosts Cambodians, not only because the trio are naturalized blacks but more so because they were not listed in the roster of players. Surprise package or dirty tactic. Chot Reyes however says it does not run afoul of any rule. Yes, but it does not make it right either.

For, the biennial regional meet is losing its identity and authenticity. Among others, it is supposed to celebrate its unique people and diverse culture, exactly why it features sports original in the region like Sepak Takraw from Malaysia, the martial arts of Kun Bokator from Cambodia, Muay from Thailand, Vovinam from Vietnam and Arnis from the Philippines.

The Gilas head tactician is right though when he refuses to agonize over policies beyond his control. And why should we complain when we are also guilty? There’s Filipinized American Justin Brownlee in the 12-man basketball redeem team. But not as guilty, at least three of them are pure Filipinos, the rest are half Filipinos out to reclaim the gold of all golds they lost to the Indonesian team of, again, at least three naturalized black players.

 But it is not only the sport we are obsessed of that is adulterated. Kim Mangrobang ceded her fourth straight women’s triathlon crown to a French naturalized Cambodian. Even the iconic Efren Reyes lost to another naturalized Cambodian. The oldest delegate at 68, the magician was knocked out of medal contention in the men’s 3-cushion carom.

The eleven participating countries should be reminded the games is for the regional peoples of the brown race not known for height and size, except the fluke of a mammoth that is June Mar Fajardo or the stilt that is Kai Sotto in the Philippines. In fact, its national hero who is considered the pride of the Malayan race stands at 4’11” only. Although other historical accounts suggest he was 5’2” or 5’4”, he is still short either way.

But while there is no rule opposed to naturalization, it defeats representation. They don’t look like Southeast Asians. It’s not always about the appearance though. But most of the time it is. This recalls the infant found in front of a church and later adopted by showbiz royalty. While international law says a foundling is considered a citizen of the country where he or she is found, the abandoned baby who later in life vied for the presidency was sought disqualified because her parents are unknown, suggesting she could be an unwanted child of foreigners. But the magistrates said just look at her. She looks like us, or one of us. She must be Filipino thus.

But these towering naturalized players are definitely not Cambodians. They don’t play for glory that is the essence of amateurism in the regional games. They only play for money elsewhere because they are not good enough to wear their country’s jersey.