A journey with the stars
MANILA, Philippines — Somebody said that “A Sporting Chance” is the longest-running sports column in the history of Philippine journalism. I can’t be sure of it, and I won’t claim it either. But I’ll confirm that it’s one short of 40 years in the sports section of The Philippine STAR, and the journey has been an amazing ride with the stars.
I turned in my first sports story as a student in 1972, and the account of an interview with Seattle SuperSonics playing coach Lenny Wilkens during a US State Department educational grant was published in Express Sports, a weekly publication. In 1974, I started a sports column called “Punchline” in the broadsheet Daily Express and later introduced “A Sporting Chance” in Business Day.
When The Philippine STAR was born in 1986, sports editor Lito Tacujan invited me to bring my sports column over. However, I stayed with Business Day as I had committed to join the initiative to evolve the newspaper from strictly a business orientation to a multi-sectoral approach, including sports. But when Business Day owner Raul Locsin called to advise of the publication’s closure in 1987, I saw the opportunity to accept Lito’s invitation.
Joining The Philippine STAR was a dream come true. Lito and I had been friends for years, so our reunion was seamless. Aside from “A Sporting Chance,” I contributed sports stories, both news and features, as we collaborated with the staff to make the section a strong element in producing the newspaper of choice. I was fortunate to meet Ma’am Betty Go-Belmonte, who founded The Philippine STAR with Max Soliven and Art Borjal. I will always cherish the memories of lengthy phone conversations with Ma’am Betty as we talked about journalistic ethics and setting high standards of excellence. Then, I met The Philippine STAR president Miguel Belmonte whose vision to grow the publication in the difficult post-pandemic era is an inspiration. Like his mother, Belmonte will never compromise principles, and it’s a trait that he faithfully carries as chief executive. Visiting Belmonte in his Port Area office for conversations was a highlight. It was during occasional visits to the office that I got to meet Amy Pamintuan, Marichu Villanueva, Doreen Yu (for whom I contributed stories for Starweek Magazine, formerly a Sunday supplement of The Philippine STAR) and Millet Mananquil.
Over 30 years ago, I started a Christmas contest through “A Sporting Chance” for readers and handed out prizes at The Philippine STAR office, which was a treat for the winners as they saw where the newspaper was published. It’s still an annual tradition, although since the pandemic, the awarding of prizes is now held in a coffee shop for winners to enjoy refreshments and snacks with their families. The ties that bind The Philippine STAR and its readers remain the focus of this tradition.
Bringing sports stories to life through the written word is a passion, and it’s a process that involves a virtual “dancing with the stars.” It’s about interacting with Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, Michael Jordan and other athletes who’ve conquered the world. It’s about delivering a sense of national pride and inspiring generations of Filipinos to achieve their goals. It’s about sharing insights and opinions that could shape policy, consensus and direction to pave the way towards the right path.
Moreover, I’ve been privileged to do several Pacquiao pre-fight commentaries on The Philippine STAR website with Philstar.com sports editor Dino Maragay and host “Beyond The Game,” a sports talk show series on the same website.
Several years ago, I was invited to take “A Sporting Chance” to another broadsheet. I declined the offer as I wouldn’t leave The Philippine STAR for the moon. The Philippine STAR is my home and family. It’s where I’ve grown to become committed to a purpose. It’s where I’ve enjoyed working with Lito and the sports editors, Gerry Carpio and Nelson Beltran, who’ve succeeded him. It's where I've shared my love for music through articles in the entertainment and lifestyle sections. It’s where I continue to live my dream.
Throughout my journey with the stars, I’ve learned to be even more dedicated to improving my craft. It’s a mission for print journalists to stay relevant and informative in this age of social media. The platform that The Philippine STAR lays out in print with comprehensive, in-depth coverage will never go out of style because it stands on credibility and the adage that truth will prevail. On its 40th anniversary, The Philippine STAR remains a shining star in the quest for truth in this challenging era.
