Ramon Fernandez: Cobra in Vietnam, surfboard in Sydney & a chaotic game in Hong Kong

 Born in Maasin City in Southern Leyte, Ramon Fernandez, the youngest in a brood of nine, was always surrounded by basketball because of his athletic older brothers. At the age of five, he held that familiar orange ball for the first time — and that was it. His love affair with the hard court sport began.

After spending two years in a seminary, he became a varsity player for the University of San Carlos in Cebu. Then, from 1972 to 1974, the 6’7” athlete took on the amateur basketball league, joining San Miguel Corporation and Delta Motors.

From 1975 to 1994, the sports star was part of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) under the legendary teams of the Toyota Athletic Club, Asia Brewery Incorporated, Elizalde International, Purefoods Incorporated, where he was a playing coach, and finally, San Miguel Corporation.

Beyond the local scene, he also took part in several international basketball tournaments such as the World Basketball Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1974 and the Asian Games in Tehran, Iran in 1974 and Beijing, China in 1990

Through the years, Ramon built an enviable basketball career. His all-time scoring record came up to 18,996 points, and he was also hailed the Most Valuable Player four times — in ‘82, ‘84, ‘86, and ’88. During the 25th anniversary celebration of the PBA, he was declared the best among the 25 greatest players of the association, as well.

Ramon shares that the game of his life happened early in his career. At the age of 19, he was part of the Philippine National Team that won against South Korea in the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship in 1973.

He likewise confides that the item dearest to him is his retired jersey—number 19—under San Miguel. Given to him in 1995, it has been framed and now proudly hangs in his family home in Cebu. To this day, one of his superstitions — if you would consider it so — includes wearing a favorite pair of socks, his magic footgear, to all his important games.

Of all the sports he’s played, Ramon admits he is most ineffectual in soccer, only because, he claims, there were no coaches or guidelines or guidance back then. Things are different now.

Presently retired, Ramon gainfully manufactures El Presidente Vinegar, a line of suka made with 100-percent fermented coconut nectar and spices. The all-natural, preservative-free Filipino product is distributed worldwide. He is likewise into the high-tech farming techniques of hydroponics and aquaponics and enjoys fishing and a game of golf.

But basketball will always be close to the sportsman’s heart. He has put up the Ramon Fernandez Basketball Academy (RFBA), where the baller shares both his athletic skill and sport values with a new generation of players. RFBA offers programs for kids aged six to 15 years old, modules for center-forward players, and even private training.

Ramon declares he never dreamt of becoming a pro basketball player. His only goal was to, at most, be a part of a national team. Nevertheless, through discipline, perseverance, and hard work, he was able to that and more. In this basketball-crazed country, he became a giant among the giants, a living legend.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

RAMON FERNANDEZ: It was the free-for-all during a basketball game in Hong Kong in 1973. I was with Toyota, and we played against the Hong Kong National Team. The game was       stopped by the officials due to the unruly crowd, who were throwing bottled water onto the court. It was chaos everywhere.

What won’t you leave home without?

My rosary. That is my secret weapon. Before I leave home, I kiss my rosary and keep it in my pocket. I feel safe when I move around. Describe your present passport photograph.

All I see is a receding hairline! (Laughs)

How do you pass time at airports?

Believe it or not, it’s not always shopping in the duty-free shops. My wife Karla and I have fun figuring out other people. Our favorite subjects are couples! Not that we are chismosos (laughs). One time, while in a nice coffee shop, we saw a guy and a young lady acting strange. I had a feeling they were going to skip the bill. After a few minutes, the man stood up and the young lady followed. A commotion among the cashier and food attendants erupted. Then, one of them ran after the couple! True enough, they did not pay their bill!

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

Without a doubt, my wife! Every time we travel, I’m confident that everything I need is packed. She knows what to bring, from my toiletries to my supplements, from my clothes and caps to my shoes and socks. Even my gadgets! In fact, on one of my birthdays, Karla bought me my bazooka. It’s a fishing rod travel case — a solution to our travels.

What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel or at a resort?

The first thing I do is call housekeeping and request more pillows!

What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?

Try the local dishes. Book a lunch or dinner in a nice, authentic restaurant. Then, ask a cab driver to take us to the most popular hole-in-the-wall in town.

Describe your most memorable trip.

It was the 1974 Basketball Diplomacy trip. I was a member of the Philippine National Team. We played several exhibition games with different teams from Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. It was a diplomatic mission to foster ties with the People’s Republic of China. The delegation was led by the then Philippine Ambassador to China Benjamin Romualdez.

What do you miss most when you’re away from home?

Oh, it’s the comfort of my own bed! Sometimes, even on a luxurious bed in a five-star hotel, it would take me up to three bottles of beer or two in-house movies before I start to doze off. There’s nothing like my bed at home and our dear doggie pug that snuggles with us.

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

I bought a 20-foot wind surfing board in Sydney, Australia! I had a problem shipping it home.

Let’s talk favorites now.  Name your favorite city abroad.

Vancouver. Their go-green advocacy is doing the city good. Their thriving local economy is ideal for business. Their communities are livable and affordable. Their world-class parks and gardens are a sight to behold. And the people are as friendly as Filipinos.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

There’s a quiet place in Titay in Zamboanga-Sibugay called Palomok. Karla’s first cousin, Ann Hofer-Santos, and her family built a nice cogon house high up in the mountain, where you can see the entire Titay Valley — hectares and hectares of rice fields.  We used to frequent the province some years back, and we have learned to call it our second home. We are definitely looking forward to our next visit soon.

Favorite airline?

Love our own — Philippine Airlines. Despite the occasional delays, nothing beats the kind of service Filipinos can offer. I feel at home with Philippine Airlines.

Favorite airport?

Again, love our own, the Mactan International Airport in Cebu. I feel excited leaving it as I am off to a great vacation or a fruitful business trip. I also feel happy returning to the airport from an enjoyable and successful trip.

Favorite museum?

The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California

If you could take home a piece of art, which one would it be?

His Air Force One! But since there is no way I could bring it home, in one of our recent visits there, I managed to have our picture taken à la Ronnie and Nancy.

Favorite resort?

I like Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort in Mactan for its world-class hospitality that gives me the feeling of being at home. That’s what’s most important to me.

Favorite park?

Yosemite National Park is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers and thrill-seekers like me. I had fun snow-sliding amid the soaring mountains and the towering trees and trekking miles of hiking trails through crystal-clear creeks and rivers. It is indeed an ideal site for truly inspired photography!

Favorite stores?

I am a regular shopper of Lowe’s, Best Buy, and Petco. Lowe’s is an American store chain of home improvement products where I get my latest DIY tools and gardening equipment. This is the also the place where I get my seeds, which I try to plant back home. I love Best Buy during Thanksgiving sale! Once, I brought home a 50-inch Samsung Plasma for a bargain! Petco is where I buy items for our dogs and our monkey. And yes, I bring home interesting items for my favorite vet.

Favorite restaurants?

Just about any place that serves fresh seafood. In Cebu, I frequent the sutukil in Lapu-Lapu, A1, the taxi drivers’ favorite that serves hot tinolang isda, and the famous linarang place in Cordova. Linarang is a soup dish that features bakasi or moray eel mixed with cayenne pepper, bilimbi, tawsi, and more. We also just discovered another find in Argao. Before you reach the restaurant, you have to pass through a narrow bamboo bridge built over the sea!

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in.

I used to have racehorses, so I’d like to witness the Kentucky Derby, the race for thoroughbreds held in Louisville, Kentucky every year. We have already booked the Run for the Roses event in May 2013. It’s the first leg of the Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby and the historic Churchill Downs.

What is the worst souvenir you have ever bought back from a trip?

It was the special medicinal wine with a cobra inside from Vietnam. I thought it was unique and bought a couple for some friends—only to find out that their wives threw them away! (Laughs)

Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you would do upon returning home?

Change to my favorite home clothes, put on my slippers, and rough it up with my dogs!

Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.

I would like to visit Marrakech in Morocco. With its red walls made of sandstone, it is appropriately known as the Red City or the Ochre City. It is one of the busiest cities in Africa and the home to Morocco’s largest traditional Berber market or souk.

Name a country you wish to explore.

I must say that it would be another African country. Kenya is famous for their safaris and world-famous wildlife reserves. It interests me that the nation largely relies on agriculture, which I enjoy. Recently, I learned it exports coffee, tea, and fresh flowers.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

It is the learning that we get from the people we interact with and the first-hand knowledge we gain from the places we visit. Priceless experiences!

What would you say is the worst part of travel?

Hmmm. It is when you realize you have spent quite a fortune on the trip! But no regrets (laughs).

If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines, where would it be?

It would be in Vancouver. The character of the city, the easy urban living, and the café culture are just a few of the factors that make me imagine living there. Another choice, in terms of having developed a wonderful relationship with family and friends, would have to be the new and very charming city of Valencia, California.