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A Moveable Feast
An Interview with Tahiti 80′s Xavier Boyer
You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory
Words by France Pinzon | Photographs by Carina Altomonte
A year after being elected to the Philippine House of Representatives for the province of Sarangani, “The Fighting Congressman” faces everything head on amidst legislative duties, Twitter feuds, and Shane Mosley
Word got out on the street. Suddenly it went public. Kobe Bryant said during the Nike Asia Tour press conference held at the Manila Pen last July 13, 2011 that he heard about the invite. Finally, it was all over the place. Tickets were sold out. Patron seats were selling at PhP25,000.00 while the Nose Bleed seats were selling at PhP 900.00 in the black market. On game day, Araneta Coliseum opened its windows to sell Upper A at Standing Room Only for PhP1,500.00.
There have been visits by notable NBA Superstars, past and present, but none of this magnitude. The Philippines has been ignored far too long for a shot at an NBA game but thanks to the resources Manny V. Pangilinan thru the MVP Sports Foundation, his team of sports enthusiasts made a bold statement and has accomplished what was deemed, the impossible.
They have made every basketball loving Filipino ‘s dream come true – to watch the best and brightest NBA players on their home floor.
For two consecutive days, excitement was everywhere. Some fans entered the coliseum with jerseys of their favorite player, most of them spectators, who follow the NBA, but some of them are as rabid as they can be. They filled the coliseum wearing their passion and admiration that is anything and everything about the NBA.
Children, teens, couples, mom, dad, grandpa, and celebrities were all captivated by their mere presence. Especially during thier pre-game shoot around, the likes of Chris Paul, arguably the best point guard in the planet, the youngest NBA MVP, Derrick Rose. Oklahoma City Thunder and fastest rising NBA Superstar, Kevin Durant with teammate James “Fear the Beard” Harden and 5-Time NBA Champion and future NBA Hall of famer, Kobe Bryant will play alongside, 3rd Year NBA veteran JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards, 2nd Year NBA Veteran Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, NBA rookie from the University of Arizona Wildcats Derrick Willams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and senior veteran from the LA Lakers Derek Fisher, appeared like curtain call. You see the smile and awe on their face. For a typical basketball fan, it was absolutely a weekend to remember. A once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the best players of the world, not as individuals on a promo tour, but together, as a team.
Fans were left in utter amusement on their first day as they were treated to an NBA style spectacle, For the 1st time, Chants of Kobe!!!, CP3!!! and MVP!!! were heard from Filipino Fans. It didn’t matter if the score ended with a shameful 26-point loss for the PBA selection. Who are we kidding, these are the best of the best were playing. What matters is that the fans got what they paid for, an unforgettable NBA charged event.
For the Smart Gilas team, it was a different story. It’s a chance for our National Basketball team to shine, because the FIBA Asia Tournament is just around the corner and this game might be their yardstick. Smart Gilas Hed Coach Rajko Toroman was seen touring the basketball court during the All-Stars shoot around relaxed but anxious.
After the ceremonial toss, the atmosphere was feverish. In the 1st quarter, after Japeth Aguilar tied the ball game at 6-all, a Kobe Bryant 3-pointer and a Kevin Durant slam made it a 7-point lead for the All-Stars, 13-6. Tyreke Evans had back to back baskets including a steal off JV Casio to finish the 1st 10 minutes of action with a 12-point lead, 28-16.
In the 2nd Quarter, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, including a Dondon Hontiveros 3-pointer at the 7:15 minute mark kept the Nationals in striking distance but the combination of athleticism, size and uncanny quickness and hand speed of the All-Stars overwhelmed the Smart Gilas Team.
Now seen and experienced live, we were able to verify, right before our very eyes the level of NBA Basketball. It was by definition a formal cognizance why they are the best in the business. At the end of the 1st half, the All-Stars had the biggest lead of the ballgame at 22-points.
Early in the 4th period with the game in motion, another certified superstar entered the basketball court. It was Manny Pacquiao. Kobe approached the All-time boxing great after a timeout in a fighting stance to acknowledge his presence.
Afterwards, as a gesture of respect from one great athlete to another, Pacquiao approached the All-Stars bench only to be taunted by Chris Paul saying that he can last 15 seconds in the ring with one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Midway thru the 4th quarter, things started to get interesting. The Nationals were able to hold their own with their deficit down to just 8-points but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the All-Stars impeccable basketball prowess.
As the buzzer sounded, CP3, Rose, Durant, KB24 and the rest showed their appreciation to the thousands of fans that trooped to the coliseum by giving away their jerseys and game shoes. Some got away with photos while others got hold of autographs as memorabilia.
The games’ best players had a glimpse of our love for the game as well as our hospitality. Thanks to the MVP Sports Foundation, the Philippines has been given the opportunity to audition for the NBA Calendar of overseas games. Fans here are definitely ready for more – NBA Action.
Photos by: Michael G. Yu – Rebound Magazine
Article by: Mike Abasolo (follow me on Twitter: michaelabasolo)
Photo by Joseph Nebrida from Inboundpass
By France Pinzon
Yes, I had just written about the country’s growing love for football weeks ago. But really, what’s not to admire? It says a lot, when you see the entire nation covered with makeshift basketball courts that welcome all sorts of individuals to play anytime of the day, regardless of sportswear. Regardless if they’d rather watch matches on television, than flock to our arenas and pay for their seats. Regardless if they’d endlessly bash our pro-league and declare it as close to its extinction. Read more…
Photo taken from the 2009 Asia Tour sponsored by Nike
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and the rest of the L.A. Lakers may have not been successful in defending their crown last season, but we know for sure they’ll be back in contention when the next NBA season comes around. Whenever that is. Read more…
Editor’s Note — So we sent France Pinzon to meet Kobe Bryant and she came back a changed woman. With a torn shirt. Pardons — we’re still trying to sort through the photos she took. Some of them are scandalous. Take it away, France.
8. Knee tremor
I always prided myself for not getting easily star-struck. But to my transitory dismay and eventual admission, Kobe Bryant, NBA’s 2007-2008 Most Valuable Player and last season’s Finals MVP, shook the bejeebers out of my kneecaps while I was about to ask him a question at the press conference.
What’s worse was how I forgot to use my MJ (Michael Jackson) question, which I over-rehearsed just the other night, to have the guy share a little about his predilection for the ‘King’ (not James). Everyone was asking about the Lakers, his tolerance for pain and favorite Filipino food, might as well throw a curve ball out there, I thought—or didn’t.
Bottom line: I waned at “Hi Kobe,”—a very insightful moment for me, indeed.
7. Smoke machine
So usually, I’d see this particular visual effect in 80’s or early 90’s variety shows on the ‘tube, when some TF queen would do a dance number with the Whiplash (complete with lifts and all). Either that or I may have mistaken the character Sheila (from the comedy/horror film Army of Darkness) as Alma Moreno one time.
Excuse my cheese factor, but the fog that built up as Mister-81-points-in-one-game entered onto the Philippine Sports Arena court just added on to my belief that he’s not really of this world. Definitely, not titillating nor scary, but rather ceremonial in the realm of sports.
6. Dogs everywhere
One thing that puts a big smile on my face is a dog sighting. And I saw six huge ones making the rounds in the locations. Securing the place, they were definitely nicer to look at than those sweaty bouncers, slash, UFC rejects, if you’d ask me.
5. Packed venues and screaming straight men
Okay. So I did expect huge crowds in all three venues: The Peninsula Manila, Nike Park The Fort and Philippine Sports Arena. Maaann, that’s Kobe we’re talking about—forget other NBA stars that dropped by our basketball-crazed nation the past year, we (meaning ALL of us lovers of the sport) ain’t missing his return for nothing!
But no cheerleader’s somersault could’ve prepared me for the legions upon legions of Black Mamba diehards—men and women, kids and Barney. (Hey, a lot wore violet!) Many were in Laker #8 and #24 uniforms. Cheering. Howling. Chanting M-V-P. It was absolutely thrilling. Historic, really. For a moment I tried squinting, imagining it was MJ (Michael Jordan) and all the brouhaha still made perfect sense.
4. Flourishing Philippine basketball
Kobe’s return only meant that focus is still on basketball, whether people believe it wrecks the other sports’ future here or not.
Our Nike Elite team is one strong proof that improvement in our basketball program has yet to come to a halt. Mr. Bryant worked them pretty hard yet again during the one-on-one session, to their hearts’ content, I’m sure.
3. Dream Season
The new Nike Dream Season designed specifically for the Asian market byKobe himself (along with the creative team of Nike) is pretty sick. The shoes are set to inspire the dreamers to go back to the streets where, according to NBA greats, all the magic starts.
The lightweight footwear, which has the XDR (Xtra Durable Rubber—ready for the outdoor concrete), were so light, Kobe decided to throw the pair he was wearing out to the outstretched arms of his fans at The Fort. Lucky ducks.
2. Gawad Kalinga’s Sagip program for kids
I had my first GK experience (www.gk1world.com) in 2008 and I must say it’s something that I will always hold near and dear to my heart.
The lucky kids got up close (and I mean 5-inches close) with Kobe, representing Sagip of Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City. Thereafter, Kobe and Nike donated a huge cheque worth P100, 000 to the organization. In return, they gave him a sweet art present.
Each got pats on the head and the sincerest smile from the man himself. And for a moment there we felt embarrassed to admit how green with envy we were of the children.
1. Kobe Bryant
More than the personal glory he’s been receiving for his talent, his skill, his dedication to his craft, more than the 2009 championship, the wicked shoes that cradle his elevation up to the basket, more than the MJ comparison, Kobe is this generation’s sports icon.
Whether or not what he says about the Philippines being his “home away from home” was true, I will choose to believe him because he was able to make a long-term fan out of me in one day.
That, plus he loves Manny Pacquiao.
