MANILA, Philippines—People were surprised to see Romel Adducul during the opening ceremonies of the 2008 NCAA basketball season last Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Since he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer four months ago, the 32-year-old cager has been avoiding the social scene.

Not that he is too sick to go out, but doctors have advised him to stay out of places where he is likely to catch harmful bacteria. Intense radiation and chemotherapy treatments have rendered Romel’s immune system susceptible to infection.

But the NCAA, where he played for more than a decade ago, must be pretty special to the cager.

He was confined at the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan City last Saturday in preparation for a chemotherapy session the following day, but the San Sebastian College alumnus convinced his doctors to allow him to go to the opening.

Romel momentarily unplugged his intravenous connection to join fellow-NCAA legends Samboy Lim of Letran College, Chito Loyzaga of San Beda College, Bong Hawkins of University of Perpetual Help, Atoy Co of Mapua Institute of Technology, Philip Cezar of Jose Rizal University, Nelbert Omolon of Philippine Christian University and Jondan Salvador and Sunday Salvacion of College of St. Benilde who were being honored that day.

Romel was accompanied by his wife, the former Dr. Joy Cobangkit, a kidney specialist.

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For someone undergoing aggressive medical treatment, Romel looked okay, according to a scribe.

His skin may have darkened from the radiation and his hair may have thinned a bit from the chemo, but his physique was not affected. He was applauded the most among the honorees.

The important thing is, Romel is responding to the treatments, his tumors considerably decreasing in size.

Romel immediately returned to the hospital in high spirits despite the prospect of another chemotherapy session.

Incidentally, I have received some good reviews on this season’s opening program organized by host Mapua. The concept was different, being both entertaining and meaningful, they said.

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I knew it was too good to be true.

The NBA’s 7-foot identical twins Robin and Brook Lopez are not Filipino-Americans. They are the sons of Deborah Ledford and Huberto Lopez, a Cuban, and they were born in Panorama City, California. They are American citizens.

Last June 26, Brook was drafted at No. 10 by the New Jersey Nets. Robin was drafted 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns.

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Now that the subject has been broached, new world lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao admitted that it is not only trainer Freddie Roach who has been convincing him to retire but even his mother Dionisia and wife Jinkee.

His family’s concern, he said, is his health. However, Manny said retirement is still far from his mind.

“Sayang naman!” he explained simply.

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A couple of entertainment writers who I ran into last weekend asked the same question: Are James Yap and Kris Aquino separated?

Actually, I don’t really know. I have not heard anything along these lines from the PBA grapevine. Or maybe this grapevine is just not interested in this subject.

One of the show biz writers said they separated for a while and then reunited.

The same writer also asked if I knew that Purefoods’ 7-foot import Reda Rhalimi had gone out on a foursome with actress Ruffa Gutierrez and a teammate before her birthday.

I don’t. And I hope Ruffa’s mom Annabelle doesn’t either.