Gratitude list

Each year, this writer finds an occasion to express gratitude to those who have made a difference in my life and have been a positive influence. In particularly difficult times, it is these friendships that have stood out like stars on dark nights. One thing I realized, though, is that I haven’t made a list of those who have been dear friends that I have met through sports. That seemed odd. What better way to start the New Year. So here goes.

First is Boom Gonzalez. My Hardball co-host is, in my not-so-humble opinion, the gold standard for today’s sports anchors.          Self-deprecating and unassuming, Boom always reminds me how effective it is to laugh at one’s self. He can do it all, from the UAAP to UFC and make it look seamless. In a world dominated by basketball and boxing, that ability is increasingly rare. He walks his talk, and can work with anyone. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s also my favorite DJ. I sit beside him every Wednesday night in admiration.

Next is Atty. Ed Tolentino. To paraphrase Pat Riley, if I were picking anyone for a boxing coverage to save my life, the first partner I would pick is Ed. With all due respect to my peers in the profession, Ed’s research is second to none. He can find the most obscure yet relevant fact about anyone in sports, even though he concentrates on fisticuffs. Working with him always keeps me on my toes. His ability to weave information with humor is first-rate. I should bring a notebook when I work with him. His jokes make work light as a feather, just like he is. I am proud that he is getting the recognition for his genius.

Noel Zarate is an award-winning composer and a pioneer of the Center for Sports Communication who has helped our tribe grow. Many of today’s sports broadcasters are fulfilling their dreams because Noel has done more for our porfession than anyone will ever recognize. He will try anything once. His concept for a regional basketball league became La Liga Pilipinas. He works in front of and behind the cameras with equal ease. He personifies the adage, “There are no small roles, only small actors.” A friend for life.

I couldn’t be prouder of the new chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission, Ed Hayco as a human being. I sometimes joke that when I grow up, I want to be Edward Hayco. An accomplished businessman and architect of Cebu’s Guinness world record in dancesport, he has been a constant in my universe. Unassuming, friendly and selfless, now he has a bigger stage to share his gifts on. I have never felt alone in Cebu because Ed is there, and I know I always have a place at his table, at home or at Port. The only person I know who truly has no enemies, because anyone who dares would be standing alone against a sea of his friends.

A true Filipino hero. I first met Paeng Nepomuceno when I was a young reporter more than two decades ago, and he is still the yardstick for his sport, and then some. I have watched his star rise, and it has never stopped. Paeng has knocked down records like so many pins, and has reinvented himself as a master instructor worldwide. His feet are firmly on the ground, and he always remembers his friends. He has been a winner longer than most of our national athletes have been alive. If I were asked who would best exemplify the Filipino, I would just have to say Paeng’s name.

Bruce McTavish. My brother from the other side of the planet. Bruce was our first-ever interviewee on Hardball, and always manages to remember me in difficult times. With Bruce and his loving wife Carmen, I know I have a home in Angeles. He has not only brought respect to a sport constantly tainted, but has helped so many people and has been referee and witness to so many historic boxing matches, they would fill a book. A consummate professional, more importantly, he is steadfast and fierce in his friendship. He is a father, brother and friend. Having Bruce in my corner, the Good Lord would have no choice but to open the Pearly Gates when I come knocking, or there would be hell to pay.

The president of our national lawn bowls association should be our ambassador to the world. Rey Pineda is ferociously nationalistic, abundantly diplomatic. He is also unquestionably loyal. A man of fine taste, his C’ restaurant is the best place to dine, and not just because of the food. He loves his Harleys, and has made even more friends of every nationality through his love of iron horses. When he grew his beard, Rey finally resembled the Santa Claus that he is to many of us. His stories of adventures in our country’s toughest times are a treasure. I always leave Pampanga feeling better when we’ve had a chat, and for that I am grateful. And between Bruce, Rey and the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial, the street children of Angeles will never be wanting for protectors and providers.

It is said that adversity introduces a man to himself, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Butch Ramirez has, thankfully, showed us how to survive either with dignity and grace. The former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission is the same man he is in the boardroom, classroom, dorm room and bathroom. He has been the highest sports official in the land, a basketball coach, proud ‘probinsyano’ teacher, and a political candidate who refused to buy votes. He has always been guided by his principles and thirst for knowledge, which made him a feared but respected opponent of the corrupt. How many PSC chairmen have served under more than one president? Most of all, when Butch Ramirez is your friend, that will never change.

Rafe Bartholomew. I am amazed at how many friends and how much goodwill this young author has found in just three years in the country. He is everything Filipinos love, a humorous, basketball-loving American. His thirst for knowledge is bottomless, his writing skill is top-notch, and he is always ready to be there for a friend. Luckily, he will be back for a project that cannot yet be revealed. He has fallen in love with the Filipino people, and it seems the feeling is mutual. A great guy to be around, always relaxed and easy to be with.

It is only fitting that this list would start and end with my buddies who bookend me on Hardball. Boyet Sison is many things to me: brother, friend, foil, ally and at times, my rock. His career truly took off last year, and his star shines more brightly than ever. Now people recognize him for his work ethic, and not just his irrepressible ability to have fun and be a friend. Underestimated no longer, he is now a full-fledged newsman. His unfettered joy for living keeps me going. In many ways, Boyet reminds me of Joe Cantada and Romy Kintanar, blending the worlds of music, sports, food, humor and wine. Every day is Christmas with Papa B. If the Greek god of good times Dionysus chose a body to inhabit, there would be no better candidate than Boyet. And I would step in front of a bullet for him.

Also to the chairman oft ABS-CBN, Mr. Gabby Lopez, for his strong faith in sports; our boss at ABS-CBN Sports, Mr. Peter Musngi for all the opportunities to do what we love the most. To our NCAA courtside reporters, 2007 onwards, from Pia Boren, Cassie Umali and Bea Atienza on down to the current batch, for lighting up the games. To all my broadcast partners, specifically Butch Maniego, whom I’ve been working with for over twenty years, Allan Gregorio, Tonichi Ytrurri, TJ Manotoc, Ronnie Nathanielsz, Dyan Castillejo, Jude Roque, Chris Soler, Mike Abasolo and the sports production team behind us, from Jenny Jimenez to Marco Franco, Al Neri, Abet Ramos, Diana Sayson, Larry Deang and everyone in the group. Personally and professionally, I salute you.

And Happy New Year to all the readers of The Star’s sports section. Thanks for being a part of our family. I am deeply grateful.