Holiday wishes from top cage personalities

RAIN OR SHINE team owner Raymond Yu is extremely proud of his sophomore cager Chris Tiu, who was  chosen one of this  year’s  Ten Outstanding Young Men.

“Chris is a good role model for the youth  because of his accomplishments in sports, business, media and public service,” said  Yu.

“He was very active in the Sangguniang Kabataan for many years.”

PBA commissioner Chito Salud is  just as delighted.

“The league is proud to have produced a player like Tiu, who is commendable  for  his excellence and leadership in sports and youth development,” he said.

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The long list of yuletide wishes by 2013 PBA MVP Arwind Santos should keep Santa pretty busy on Christmas eve.

On top of Arwind’s lengthy list is for his kababayans to be able to recover from the devastation brought about by natural disasters like Supertyphoon “Yolanda” and the earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu.

“Next in my list is for me to stay healthy and in top playing shape so I can play till I’m 50 plus like the Living Legend Sonny Jaworski.

“Third wish: A Grand Slam for Petron, while I’m still in active duty;   fourth wish, for my whole family to stay intact and happy; fifth, to cultivate more friendships with sincere  people who will stay true to me and my family.”

“Last, but not least, I’m hoping and wishing I could repay in some way all the people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude, dear ones who had been so kind and generous to me. I would not be where I am  now if not for them.”

In contrast to Arwind’s multiple wishes, former MVP-Rookie of the Year awardee Benjie Paras only  has one:  “Christmas wish ko is for all politicians to give some of their money to victims  of the recent calamity.”

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HOOPVINE: More Christmas wishes… “To be able to focus on increasing the PBA’s  social relevance especially during times of crisis. We have seen how basketball can lift the spirits even of the most downtrodden. We shall capitalize on this popularity to help provide relief both monetary and emotionally. Second, to be an active partner in attaining the goals of Philippine basketball in the global scene,” PBA commissioner Chito Salud said… PBA chair Mon Segismundo: “My Christmas wish is a basketball nation that is inspiring and great. One that goes beyond PBA team rivalries and is focused on achieving national glory in the Spain (world championship) and Incheon (Asian Games) in 2014 and beyond. Isang PBA, isang bayan.”