Christmas wish list

Tomorrow, the world celebrates Christmas Day, a day of rejoicing, thanksgiving and sharing love. The Lord was made man as Jesus came to life on earth to save mankind on the first Christmas Day. Our faith is what keeps us strong and resilient in facing the challenges to survive the difficulties that confront us. Our faith is the key to overcoming the hardships, trials and problems that test our fortitude. And what’s Christmas without faith in God and making our wish list for Santa Claus? So here it is, our Christmas wish list:

• POC president Cong. Bambol Tolentino to put an end to NSA squabbles, internal or external, once and for all. Cong. Bambol’s magic touch was evident in the way the Philippines performed in the last SEA Games and Olympics. His ability to get everyone together in the spirit of unity without compromising principles is well-known. He knows when to bite the bullet and how to right wrongs. If there’s anyone who can resolve the issue between PATAFA president Popoy Juico and world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena, it’s Cong. Bambol. He’ll stand by what’s right and if it means putting his foot down on misguided missiles, you can be sure he’ll do it. The Juico-Obiena tiff is something that shouldn’t have happened and it’s the kind of quarrel no NSA should ever fuel.

• More Filipino world boxing champions. With Manny Pacquiao’s retirement and Vic Saludar’s recent dethronement, the Philippines is left with four world titlists – WBC bantamweight king Nonito Donaire, Jr., IBF superflyweight ruler Jerwin Ancajas, WBO bantamweight beltholder John Riel Casimero (if he’s not defrocked) and IBF minimumweight champion Rene Mark Cuarto. Jayson Mama and Robert Paradero had their chance to win straps but lost this year. Mark Magsayo will get his crack in Atlanta City on Jan. 22 when he faces WBC featherweight titlist Gary Russell. Waiting in the wings for title shots are Marlon Tapales, Mike Plania, Jonas Sultan, Donnie Nietes, Jade Bornea and Melvin Jerusalem.

• A successful campaign in the next SEA Games. The Philippines took overall honors in the 2019 edition where there were 530 events in 56 sports. Hanoi will host the Games on May 12-23 next year with 526 events in 40 sports. The 2022 Games won’t include several sports which produced gold for the Philippines two years ago like arnis (14 golds), obstacle course (6), skateboarding (6), surfing (2), windsurfing (2), rugby 7s (1) and squash (1). It’ll be a tough grind to keep the championship particularly as Vietnam has the homecourt advantage which is a major factor in SEA Games history. For the record, seven of the last 10 host nations won the overall championship. If the Philippines ends up in the top three, it will be like retaining the overall crown.

• Leveling up in Asian Games. The last Asiad where the Philippines cracked the top 10 in the overall standings was in Seoul in 1986, finishing sixth. Since then, there have been eight Asian Games and the Philippines has finished no higher than 13th. In the last six editions, the Philippines wound up a high of 18th and a low of 22nd. In 2018, the Philippines took four gold medals and finished 19th. The only Asian Games where the Philippines bagged double figure gold medals with 14 was in 1964 when Manila hosted. The next Asiad will be held in Hangzhou, China, on Sept. 10-25 with 482 events in 40 sports. If the Philippines pockets at least five gold medals in Hangzhou, it will be the most since claiming seven in 1962 or 60 years ago by the time the next edition rolls out. Perhaps, two goals will be to collect at least five gold medals and finish within the top 15.

• PSC, GAB leadership to stay. There will be a new President next year and changes are expected in the leadership of PSC and GAB, both government agencies. PSC chairman Butch Ramirez and GAB chairman Baham Mitra have performed way above average since the start of President Duterte’s term and it’s a shame if their efforts aren’t continued either with their retention or by their successors. Continuity is critical in the management of the country’s sports programs. Perhaps, the new President will recognize the value of keeping the management of PSC and GAB intact in displaying a non-political approach to good governance.

Watch for five more wishes in Sunday’s column.