FROM the corner of the Mall of Asia Arena street by the Coral gate leading to the players-media entrance, we could hear the loud chanting.
As we walked closer to where the sound was coming from, I realized that the lyrics of the chant were totally unfamiliar.
“They’re resident Iranians. They’re waiting for the team to come out. They just won over Korea,” said a PBA personnel stationed at the post where two big tourist buses were parked—one for Korea, the other for Iran.
We had wanted to watch the Iran-Korea game which comes before the Phil-Jordan match last Friday, but due to the traffic from West Triangle in Quezon City to the MOA, we lost over two hours in transit. By the time we got to the venue, the Gilas game was about to start.
“You really missed one helluva game,” said the PBA staff. “It was very exciting, highly physical. Good thing the referees were able to keep the match under control.”
My companions were very frustrated.
I know PLDT has a VIP lounge at the MOA, but when we got inside, I bumped into Manny V. Pangilinan who was headed for the ringside section. MVP was in high spirits as he said “hi” to us warmly, flashing a wide grin.
***
Although it was only the second day of hostilities in the 27th Fiba Asia Men’s Championship, experts had been able to gauge the strength of the teams and issue a not too fearless forecast.
“Who will take the title? Iran is just too strong,” said a popular sports columnist and PBA analyst last Friday after the games.
The lady official of a Gulf team also had the same prediction.
“Who can stop Hamed Hadadi and Samad Bahrami, Iran’s twin towers?” she asked. “They’re unstoppable!”
She said it’s only a question of who will challenge Iran. A highly-placed SBP insider said he foresees Korea and Iran in the finals, but the lady official, well-steeped in international basketball, warned not to count out China, even if its performance in the elimination round was not too impressive.
“I’ve seen it happen before. Teams coming in strongly only in the crucial rounds, eventually to even win the title. I’m not counting out China, as yet.”
All five respondents of my minisurvey said Iran will wrest the title from defending champion China.
***
While the nation is thrilled by the ongoing Fiba Asia Championship, the Interscholastic Athletic Association unfurled its 5th season before a jam-packed, wildly cheering crowd at Cuneta Astrodome. No less than newly-elected Sen. Sonny Angara was invited as guest speaker, while Ateneo volleyball star Alyssa Valdez made the ceremonial toss. Also delighting the crowd was the parade of muses. ISAA president Ruel dela Rosa of Manila Tytana College said member schools are committed to promote the well-being of student-athletes to become responsible members of the citizenry.
Other member schools are Feati, St. Dominic College of Asia, Philippine Women’s University, Philippine Merchant Marine School, La Consolacion Manila and Manila Adventist Medical Center. Other officials of ISAA are Melanie Florentino (vice president), Gregorio Magbalon (secretary), Antonio S. Giron (treasurer), Crispulo Onrubia (auditor) and Raul Santos (PRO). Lawyer Jose Yayen and Hector Estidola are board members.