BOCAUE — LA Tenorio got quite a Christmas surprise when he met his doppelganger on Monday.
Lando Bago, 38, came in full Barangay Ginebra uniform at Philippine Arena here as he watched his idol lead the crowd favorites to an 89-78 victory over fierce rival Magnolia.
Tenorio couldn’t help but smile during the encounter as he thanked the Sta. Maria, Bulacan native for his undying love and support for the Gin Kings.
“There’s a lot of them (lookalikes). From Mark (Caguioa) to Jayjay (Helterbrand). But for us, for them to show their support with that, it’s really a good thing for me and I’m thankful for them,” he said.
The 33-year-old playmaker said that fans like Bago give Ginebra players inspiration as they go out of their way just to show support for their idols.
“There’s a lot of them who have those stories, who come from far-flung provinces just to see us and it warms our hearts,” he said. “We’re lucky to have fanatics like them. It adds motivation for us every game to play hard and give our 100-percent because that’s what they want from us — to give our 100-percent effort, win or lose.”
Tenorio did send Bago home happy as he delivered the goods for the Gin Kings with his statline of 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and five steals in the victory, giving the Ginebra faithfuls, who trooped to the world’s largest indoor arena a merry Christmas.