SINCE I WAS IN THE neighborhood, I thought I might as well pay a visit to some of my friends at the Rizal Memorial Complex. It was my first time to see the facelift done on the first floor lobby of the old administration building and I was a bit impressed.

“Philippine Sports Institute,” read the sign on the façade. PSC chair Butch Ramirez later informed me, when I dropped by his office at the fourth floor, that the PSI is an institute for learning, an academy for present and future sports coaches and sports leaders, among others.

“It will cover all the sports in the POC. I have corroborated with the other countries who have been successful with a similar setup and they have agreed to help us with technology and equipment. The institute will be launched this December before Christmas,” Butch said.

The concept of a sports institute was first hatched by then PSC chairman Philip Juico. He liked it so much he revived it during his term which started three years ago in year 2005.

All told, Butch has been with the PSC for nine years. He worked as a regional director for two years, and as commissioner for four, from 2000 to 2005.

“I’ve worked here long enough. Perhaps it’s time to go,” he said.

He admitted that resignation has been flashing in his mind since our disappointing stint in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. For delicadeza.

“I’ve gone the full circle—the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games and the Olympics. I’ve completed the course,” he said.

Compared to other sports leaders, I’ve heard so many good things about Butch, older brother of cager Jay Rams who became known during his Lhuillier days in the PABL.

I know for a fact that he’s the only PSC chairman who holds quarters at the men’s dorm at the Ultra compound.

“I’m a simple man with simple tastes. I stay close to the athletes as often and as long as I can so I can empathize with them. At the end of the day, this will help me make more judicious decisions,” said the man who describes himself as “promdi”.

***

After the Purefoods-Red Bull game last Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum, the crowd thinned out considerably, which was surprising considering that Ginebra was playing in the main game of the day’s double-header.

Although a recent survey showed that Ginebra and Purefoods are now sharing top honors as the PBA’s most popular teams, only a few are aware of the survey and everyone still acknowledges Barangay Ginebra as the darling of the crowd.

But last Wednesday’s double-header seemed to be a clear indication that the tide has changed.

***

“Can I take last Wednesday’s crowd movement to mean that Purefoods has overtaken sister team Ginebra in terms of popularity?” I asked Giants coach Ryan Gregorio in very serious tones the day after.

Overturning Ginebra in this aspect is a historic feat deserving documentation and fanfare, but nobody seems to take much notice and interest.

Coach Ryan G. didn’t sound too sure. Or perhaps he was only being modest.

“If that is the criteria (crowd movement), then I certainly hope so,” he said. “I actually did not realize that until I heard the noise when we were launching a rally against Red Bull.”

***

If Ginebra’s “Never say die!” battle cry has molded the team’s profile and character, Ryan said the popularity of Purefoods soared to greater heights because of their “There’s no tomorrow” attitude inside the court.

Not only that. The player-fan relationship is one aspect Ryan puts extra emphasis on.

“We give importance to our supporters. We try to bridge the gap by making them feel that they are friends and not fans. I guess these are the reasons why we have endeared ourselves to Filipinos both here and abroad,” Ryan explained.

According to the witty and articulate PFC mentor, it was Marc Pingris who had first embraced this concept he introduced. Marc was still with Purefoods then.

“That’s why he is one of the most popular players in the league. I can’t understand why he displeased Filipino fans in Qatar. Maybe he was just misinterpreted. Or he was in a hurry to catch his flight (Marc had to leave Qatar ahead of his teammates, staying only overnight because of an important commitment). Marc is one of the humblest and most sincere persons I’ve met,” Ryan said.