THE MAD rush to get home to the provinces is in full swing as the country again takes time out to remember departed loved ones.
The time is also an opportunity to recall the people in sports we have emulated or worked with. Chino Trinidad’s “Pagpupugay” project a few months ago gave us an early opportunity to recall Flash Elorde, Pancho Villa, Lita de la Rosa, Felicisimo Ampon and other great Filipino athletes who have moved on but have left us with accomplishments we will always be proud of for all time.
When this time swings in, I recall my late senior broadcast colleagues Joe Cantada, Pinggoy Pengson and Romy Kintanar. Now that I am one of the senior citizens of the broadcast trade, I try to follow their lead by sharing what I have learned with a younger generation of game callers and chroniclers when they ask for a tip or two.
It is hoped that this time can be also used by our decision-makers to ponder our next moves in the ever-changing and demanding sports landscape. Foremost in the agenda of all sports organizations should be how their disciplines can continue to reap dividends in international sports events. The role of sports should always be an inspirational one, offering our countrymen hope that yes, the Filipino can compete against even the very best of the world.
This will subsequently trickle down to other facets in life when the Filipino has to compete for jobs, recognition and even acceptance all over the world.
Here is our reflection checklist:
Gilas Pilipinas: Where do we go from the gains of the World Championship and the debacle in the Incheon Asian Games?
The 2015 Singapore Southeast Asian Games: Now that several sports have been reduced or canceled, where will the medals come from? How will the Philippines vie for the modest goal of a fourth place finish when some of its favorite medal sources are off the schedule?
Swimming, athletics, archery, shooting, gymnastics, weightlifting and the martial arts: We need more medals from these sports in the multi-event battles ahead. This is where the top finishers of the Olympics, Asian Games and SEA Games get their huge medal hauls.
Volleyball: Now with two loaded men and women teams and a sponsor, will there be Philippine teams on a regular and sustained basis? Or will this development end after the Singapore SEA Games?
Professional boxing: Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. have already done their share but is there anybody else on the horizon that can be the new source of Pinoy pride in boxing? Let’s stop looking for the next Pacquiao and Donaire because we will just end up empty-handed. It’s time for new champions with styles and characters of their own.
May this brief respite from the sporting world and the hectic rush of life bring us closer to our families and make us reflect on how we can make Philippine sports more vibrant and productive.
Follow me on Twitter @sportssev.