Forty love
Looking back on my life so far, and seeking the most constant relationship I can define in terms of longevity (excluding the ones connected to family) — it may not be something I would necessarily brag about but I have to confess it would be my “love” for tennis. For over 40 years now, it has been the sport I have exhibited the most passion for, and indulged in for regular exercise. While studying in England back in the early ‘70s, I would be fascinated by Wimbledon and Roland Garros, initially confused by the scoring but quickly picked up on what was transpiring (hence my title) and loving the interplay of skill, agility, mental fortitude, tradition and pageantry that would be put on display. Back then, the mercurial figures of Ilie Nastase and Ion Tiriac would loom large in my consciousness, so no surprise that the likes of John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Yannick Noah and Pat Cash would succeed them as the tennis stars who I would avidly follow — those who combined sports excellence with personality.
If I can count myself lucky and say I am spry for someone my age, one dominant factor would be the religious devotion I have placed in my daily, early-morning hour of tennis with the trainer — living in denial of my knees complaining about the outdoor cement court. And if there is something I regret, it was that no worthwhile tennis tournament would be held here in Manila, tempting world-ranked players to visit our shores. The International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) changed all that last year. But to be honest, the format did not really entice me — given that the ebb and flow, the mental and physical attrition of three- or five-set matches would not be present. Sure, the right players were here, thanks to the tennis off-season, but while better than an exhibition, it was more about fast starts, team camaraderie and strategies and brilliant shot-making on particular points. But this year became different with the arrival of one of my current tennis heroes, Spaniard Rafa Nadal. His best years, and his amazing French Open run of consecutive championships, may be behind him now but the grit, determination and the “take no prisoners” attitude on every point, remain.
So format aside, it was just great to have these tennis players coming to Manila and sharing some of their time and skills with young children who have picked up a racquet. Obviously, the big ticket for these kids was to be part of the morning tennis clinic conducted by Rafa! If it wouldn’t have been downright embarrassing and depriving some child of his or her rightful slot, I know I would have been thrilled to be on a court and find myself rallying with Rafa on the opposite end. Manolo Angara, eldest son of friends Sen. Sonny Angara and wife Tootsy, was one of the lucky children who were given that opportunity.
His mom gushed on Facebook about how excited they both were to find Manolo, an avid tennis player who has excelled in his age category, on the same tennis court as Rafa. And in fact while Manolo was ecstatic, I believe an even stronger adjective would be needed to describe Tootsy’s state of mind. Another lucky youngster was Rafaella Villanueva, herself an impressive player for her age category, and coincidentally, named after Rafa.
More than the matches themselves, these pockets of opportunities, and having players of this caliber — Rafa, Serena Williams, Tomas Berdych, Marat Safin, Ana Ivanovic, et al. — make us thankful for the IPTL having a Manila leg.
I mentioned my years studying in England at the outset; and I recall my English Literature professor asking me where I came from. When I said the Philippines, he leaned back, and out of the blue, recalled how when he was a young man in the ‘50s, he had been at Wimbledon, and was so impressed with a Filipino tennis player, he would never forget the name Ampon. That would have been Felicisimo Ampon. Hopefully, the visits of the IPTL will inspire our young players to really excel, and someday create the same kind of memory that made my English professor wax nostalgic about our country.
It’s all in the writing
These three fiction titles may be “old hat” topic-wise. Moore and her short stories obsess about relationships while Archer continues his Clifton family saga. And while Doughty may be taking on the theme of infidelity, it’s the writing of these three that elevate their works above the familiarity of the themes addressed.
Bark by Lorrie Moore (available at National Book Store) A collection of short stories, Bark shows why Moore is one of the highly regarded young writers of today. In short story after short story, Moore deals with situations, interruptions, the world of possibility and how different characters try and give meaning to their lives. With gruff humor at times but always with an inordinate amount of compassion and understanding, Moore gives us intimate glimpses into the lives of her protagonists. A struggling female rock musician whose life intersects with that of a widower/senior citizen/neighbor; a couple about to break up bringing the children on one last family holiday — or two lovers whose lives have been spent in the Intelligence services and used to subterfuge as second nature — Moore displays how they are unique, and also like any of us.
Be Careful What You Wish For by Jeffrey Archer (available at National Book Store) The fourth installment of Archer’s ongoing magnum opus, BCWYWF continues The Clifton Chronicles, which commenced in Book One at the turn of the 20th century. Here, the action is centered during the late ‘50s on to the ‘60s. One might even feel wearied by how Archer is keeping this family saga afloat; but trust me, immerse yourself into the first chapters, and once again, we are hooked — following the exploits of Harry, Emma, Giles and the generation that follows them. It reads like an exciting TV mini-series and with the next generation taking more of a center stage position, there is much to savor. The sense of time and place is potent as Archer inserts real events and personalities into his special mix — reading that satisfies.
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty (available on Amazon.com) A bizarre set of circumstances propels this novel that deals with infidelity, and the ramifications it can have on your life. Our protagonist is a 52-year-old woman who regularly attends meetings at Parliament to give expert testimony on matters of genetics. An accomplished woman in her field, she has been quietly married to her college boyfriend who is also a scientist. When she is pursued by a stranger, she succumbs and carries on an affair with the mystery man. Complications arise when right after an assignation with said lover, she is brutally raped by a science colleague at a party. With the DNA of her lover still present in her, how can she go to the police? Both a police and court procedural, this novel takes a hard look at how perception can twist, shade and color facts. Set in London, it’s like a mature Gone Girl with an English twist.
