MANILA, Philippines - Filipino athletes who shone brightest in Year 2015 were honored, feted and toasted last night in a glittery Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night at One Esplanade.
From boxers Nonito Donaire Jr. and Donnie Nietes to golfer Miguel Tabuena, a total of 111 recipients of various awards took the stage, raised their golden trophies, and were warmly applauded.
For Donaire, now back as world champion, it was the fourth time since 2007 that he was bestowed the prestigious Athlete of the Year award, one he gladly, proudly accepted.
“I’m honored that’s why I made the time to be here. I’m very, very honored accepting this award,” said the reigning WBO super-bantamweight champion.
Accompanied by his lovely wife, Rachel, who came in an elegant gown, and their youngest child in his arms, Donaire vowed to push harder in 2016.
“That’s why I will keep on going and going and try to keep getting better and better because of this award. I’m very thankful,” he said.
Nietes, the pride of ALA Promotions, is now the longest-reigning Filipino world boxing champion, a feat that will be very hard to surpass.
Tabuena, a very young professional golfer now starting to catch the big fish, was a class of his own. There’s no Filipino golfer as hot as he is right now.
Wilfred Uytengsu, the Alaska Milk team owner in the PBA, was honored as the Executive of the Year. He was guest speaker for the night, and delivered a speech no one else could.
Uytengsu exemplifies dignity in sports – in victory, in defeat.
June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer stood tallest in the night of stars.
In his baritone voice, the 6-foot-10 two-time MVP in the PBA said, “I’m happy for this. Thank you PSA.”
All the others came, from the old faces trying to relive their glory days to the young ones hoping to make it big someday, and perhaps raise the Athlete of the Year award themselves.
Filomeno “Boy” Codiñera, a baseball slugger in the early days, was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement award. He had difficulty walking but was ushered by his son, former basketball superstar Jerry Codiñera.
The Wushu Federation of the Philippines was named NSA (national sports association) of the Year for its shining moments in 2015. Cagers Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo were named “Mr. Basketball” and Alyssa Valdez as “Miss Volleyball.”
Those who passed away in 2015 were honored as well, from Caloy Loyzaga, considered as the greatest Filipino basketball player, to Ron Jacobs, who revolutionized coaching in the country.
Others who are no longer around but were present in spirit were Henry Cojuangco of San Miguel Corporation, Arturo “Art” Macapagal, a dignified sports leader, and Lim Em Beng, a hardcourt hero.
The Philippine national anthem was perfectly performed by the Summerwind Choir, and the show, nostalgic as it can get, went on.
It was a night to remember.