Tenorio gives back to fans

MANILA, Philippines — Right after Barangay Ginebra clinched the PBA Governors’ Cup finals in a Game 6 103-92 win over Meralco before 20,224 fans at the MOA Arena last Friday, LA Tenorio went up to an elderly lady at courtside to express his thanks for her loyal support. It was Tenorio’s symbolic gesture of appreciation to the Ginebra nation, the team’s sixth man and a special greeting to someone who has supported his career from the start.

The lady was Aling Lucy, wife of former Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Jerry Limpe and well-known to PBA coaches, players and staff as a league diehard. “Mula Cuneta days, nandiyan na si Aling Lucy nanonood ng PBA,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. “Fan siya ni LA. At hindi lang si LA, mag-iimbita siya kumain sa labas kina Calvin Abueva, Beau Belga, Jeff Chan at marami pang iba. Tapos magbibigay pa siya ng regalo. Grateful ang buong PBA kay Aling Lucy sa kaniyang pagmamahal sa liga.”

“She’s 82 and a very big supporter of LA,” said Roxanne Ang-Siy, whose mother was Aling Lucy’s sister-in-law. “Auntie Lucy is an opera-trained singer and now dabbles in Chinese painting. I do Chinese painting with her and she’s good. LA’s so down to earth and doesn’t put on airs, kaya Auntie Lucy loves supporting him.” Roxanne is the sister of former PBA TV courtside reporter Ronith Ang who now lives in Canada.

“Sobrang close kami ni Aling Lucy,” said Tenorio. “Lagi kaming lumalabas even before pa at prayer warriors kami. Super bait siya.” So when the confetti rained down from the rafters, Tenorio purposely went up to Aling Lucy to express his gratitude for her undying support. Since his selection as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2006 PBA draft behind Kelly Williams, Arwind Santos and Joseph Yeo, Tenorio has not missed a single game, extending his Ironman record to 699 straight, 411 with Ginebra. This was Tenorio’s 13th finals appearance and seventh title, six with Ginebra and one with Alaska, all under coach Tim Cone. At 37, Tenorio is the third most senior player in the team after Joe Devance, 40 and Jeff Chan, 39.

In the finals, Tenorio averaged 14.3 points and 37:35 minutes, up from his elimination norms of 10.4 points and 35:10 minutes. He took Best Player honors in the Game 6 closer with a conference-high 30 points, four rebounds and four assists in 41:23 minutes, saving his best for last.