MANILA, Philippines – On Christmas Day, several sports stars shared their wishes with The Star as the world rejoices in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
WBO superbantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr., who only a few weeks ago, regained the title in a Las Vegas brawl, is in town for the holidays with his wife Rachel and their two sons Jarel and Logan. This is his Christmas message: “Christmas is a season of giving not only gifts but more importantly, thanks for the blessings of life and love. This year was a big challenge for me and if not for God’s grace, my family’s support and the faith of my manager, promoter and countrymen, I wouldn’t have been able to come home a world champion. I am grateful to all of you who believe in me and for staying in my corner. This Christmas, my wish is to stay strong, work harder and continue to make our country proud. I also wish for peace throughout the world and for people to live in harmony and understanding.”
Alaska coach Alex Compton, whose Aces finished No. 1 in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations and are assured of a semifinals slot, sent in his Christmas wish: “My wish is for the special group of hard-working players of Alaska to be able to experience winning a championship together.”
PBA back-to-back reigning MVP JuneMar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer said: “Wish ko this Christmas makasama family ko at kumain ng maraming pansit … at siyempre, good health din sa family ko at sa mga taong nagmamahal sa akin … wish ko rin para sa team na sana healthy kami lahat at malayo sa injuries as well as the other players ng PBA … merry Christmas sa ating lahat, may God bless us all.” San Miguel, like Alaska, is guaranteed a ticket to the semifinals.
Fajardo’s San Miguel teammate Arwind (Spiderman) Santos said: “Mayroon akong best three wishes ngayong Pasko … ang una ay yung lumakas ang Mama ko at maging OK na lahat ng result ng mga sakit niya para makalabas ng hospital ang Mama … pangalawa ay mag-champion kami ngayong season … pangatlo ay salubungin kami ng asawa ko at mga anak ko at kapatid ko ng swerte sa darating na bagong taon … Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat.”
San Miguel coach Leo Austria said, “My Christmas wishes are long-lasting peace in our country, less traffic in Metro Manila, clean and honest elections next year and another championship for SMB in the PBA … I’m also praying for the right vision for management and the PBA and good health for all the players through the years to come.”
Rain Or Shine coach and Rep. Yeng Guiao had wishes for the country, the 1st district of Pampanga, his family and his team. “For our country, I hope the government finds a solution to the traffic congestion so people can spend their time more productively,” he said. “For my district, full use of the Clark International Airport. For my family, continued good health and harmony. For Rain Or Shine, a championship.”
Elasto Painters players also gave their Christmas wishes. Gabe Norwood said, “My Christmas wish is good health for my family, friends, fans and anyone in between … for Gilas, Rain Or Shine and the PBA, the same … and to stay safe during the holiday season, you hear about way too many accidents during this time of year.” Beau Belga said, “Christmas wish ko ay good health sa buong family at Rain Or Shine team … tapos sana magtagal pa ako sa PBA at makapagpasaya ako ng mga PBA fans.” Jeff Chan said his wish is “to win the All-Filipino championship.” Chris Tiu added, “My wish is t be able to spend quality time with family and loved ones … I also wish that I can make people happy during this special season … you can also add a PBA championship to the list.”
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said, “I haven’t had a lot of time or inclination to think about it with our Christmas Day game (against the Star Hotshots) … I guess my best wish is that we select a great President for the country next year!” Ginebra guard L. A. Tenorio said, “My Christmas wishes are good health for my family and of course, semis for Ginebra … if it’s a New Year’s wish, it will be the championship for Ginebra!”
Jason Webb, who coaches the Hotshots, said: “Christmas is a time for giving and sharing. A day that reminds us of the great joy in being selfless … may the birth of the Lord remind us that we can be selfless everyday … Merry Christmas to everyone and may your dinner table be full of Purefoods Star Hotdogs while watching the PBA this holiday season.”
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said: “My Christmas wish is for NLEX to improve as a team and to have a very successful 2015-16 PBA season … I also wish for good health for my family and Filipinos as a whole and may we choose the best President for our country.”
Road Warriors center Asi Taulava, the PBA’s most senior player at 42, said: “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all, my Christmas wish is to win a championship for NLEX, good health for my family and me and to be able to have a fruitful and blessed 2016.”
TNT coach Joseph Uichico said his Christmas wish is peace in the world. “It will make things better,” he noted. TNT forward Ranidel de Ocampo, recuperating from a herniated disc and out for the PBA conference, said: “My Christmas wish is for world peace, a happy life for everyone and more success for our national teams.” All fans are wishing a speedy recovery for Del who’s a vital cog in the Gilas team set to play in the Olympic qualifiers in July.
Globalport coach Pido Jarencio said: “I just wish everybody a Merry Christmas, good health and more blessings to come … peace to everyone … I wish the best for Globalport this coming playoffs … to the Globalport fans and family, we are ready for the playoffs and thank you for your unending support, win or lose.”
Barako Bull coach Koy Banal said, “My Christmas wish is for the Philippines to have economic and political stability, for the whole world to have peace and for Barako to reach the semis.” Barako’s resurgent Willy Wilson chimed in, “My personal wish is for my family to grow in God, good health for my family and loved ones and a great career growth … and my Christmas wish for the country is that our countrymen, especially our leaders, will become closer to God and become great leaders for the country.”
Meralco coach Norman Black said, “I would like to thank the good Lord for allowing my mother to spend Christmas in the Philippines again … I also would like to wish all Filipinos a peaceful and joyful holiday season.”
Mahindra coach Chito Victolero said his Christmas wish is for “good health and my team to improve and go to the next level which is the playoffs for the next conference … Merry Christmas to all.”
PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa said, “I don’t really have a Christmas wish … at our age, we should be the ones trying to fulfill other’s wishes, that I may be able to provide other people’s happiness by granting their wishes.”
UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo said, “First, I want to thank the Lord for the past year … my Christmas wishes are good health for my family and loved ones and no injuries … I also wish for guidance to make the right decisions in life to direct me to a good career in the future.”
La Salle’s Jeron Teng said, “My Christmas wish is my family will all be healthy and happy together.” Archers coach Aldin Ayo said, “My Christmas wish is for the family to celebrate Christmas together, especially in prayer, giving thanks for all the blessings received throughout this year … I pray for good health to all my loved ones and more blessings this coming 2016.”
To all The Star’s readers, Merry Christmas and peace for all mankind.