As NBA champion coach, Spoelstra makes Pinoy proud

By Al S. Mendoza

THERE is never a dearth of talent in this country.

We even teem with talents.

Even before Manny Pacquiao came along, this country has produced lots of boxing heroes already.

From Pancho Villa to Flash Elorde, from Ceferino “Bolo Punch” Garcia to Rene Barrientos.  And more.  Like Pedro Adigue, Rey Villaflor, Rolando Navarrette, Frank Cedeno, the Penalosa Brothers (Dodie Boy and Gerry), and Luisito Espinosa.  There’s just too many that to name them all here might eat the entire space of my column.

In basketball, too, there was Caloy Loyzaga, followed by Robert Jaworski. Also, Lauro “The Fox” Mumar, Ambrosio Padilla Jr., Jack Ciria Cruz, Louie Tabuena, Alberto “Big Boy” Reynoso, Jimmy Mariano, Alfonso Marquez, Engracio Arazas, Orlando Bauzon, Tembong Melencio, Ramon Fernandez, Abet Guidaben, Bogs Adonardo, Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, Bernard Fabiosa, Francis Arnaiz, Manny Paner, Rosalio Martirez and Freddie Webb.

In track and field, Mona Sulaiman and Lydia de Vega were once the fastest women in Asia.

In cycling, Antonio Arzala leads the pack, followed by the likes of Elpidio Camat, Rodrigo Abaquita, Virgilio Delin, Jose Moring Jr., Gonzalo Recodos, Teofilo Cuizon Jr., Edmundo de Guzman, Mamerto Eden, Cipriano Mariano, Jose Sumalde Jr., Cornelio Padilla Jr., Teodorico Rimarim, Modesto Bonzo, Samson Etrata, Paquito Rivas, Domingo Quilban, Gerardo Igos, Lupo Alava, Carlo Guieb, Samson Carino, Ortillano Baring, Juanito Ranchez, Ruben Carino, Rolando Pagnanawon, Jacinto Sicam, Tranquilino de Vera, Alfredo dela Cruz, Manuel Reynante, Cesar Catambay and, of course, the one and only, Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

Liza Macuja starred in ballet on the world stage.  Lea Salonga was a multi-awarded theater actress, starting off with her starring role as “Miss Saigon,” after lead roles by Isang Tapales and Jovita Fuentes in Giacomo Puccini’s immortal classic, “Madame Butterfly,” in Italy and France, respectively.

And then, most recently, the Fil-Ams had their turn on the spotlight.

Although Jessica Sanchez (her mother’s from Bataan) was robbed of victory in the last “American Idol,” she has left an indelible mark in world crooning.  Based in Chula Vista, California, Jessica was chosen to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” in the Pacquiao-Bradley fight.

And as if to buttress the Fil-Am’s ability to consistently shine internationally, Erik Spoelstra, the Fil-Am from Florida (his Mom’s from San Pablo City in Laguna), achieved what was normally only achievable in our dreams:  Coach an NBA team to the championship.

By piloting the Miami Heat to a 4-1 triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Spoelstra became the first Fil-Am to emerge NBA champion coach.

Lucky is Spoelstra because he has in his lineup the greatest NBA player today, reigning MVP LeBron James.  But with a so-so coach, an MVP’s worth would amount to nothing.

So, hail Spoelstra!

He also made possible the coronation of King James!

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments