Tenorio recalls comic mishap that ended his sacristan days
FILE – LA Tenorio. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Instead of heaving Hail Marys on the court, one of the PBA’s best point guards could’ve easily ended up leading prayers had it not been for one unfortunate and laughable incident.
In his YouTube channel DLaZYRoadTrip, LA Tenorio recalled with celebrity friends Zanjoe Marudo and Yubs Azarcon that his original plan in life was to become a priest but a literal turn saw him become a PBA legend and a national team player instead.
Ginebra’s floor general said he served as an acolyte in his community’s church and as a kid, he entered Don Bosco Makati in elementary to prepare himself for priesthood.
“The truth is, I was a Bosconian. I entered Don Bosco Makati in elementary because I wanted to be a priest,” said Tenorio in Filipino as he recalled his family’s wish for him to become a member of the church. “I served at our church.”
But everything changed for the six-time PBA champion and Fiba Asia Cup silver medalist after one fateful service during the Simbang Gabi’s string of masses that forced him out of his dream.
“Tumigil ako kasi may nangyari. Simbang Gabi, bisperas, nakalimutan ko ang sutana ko sa bahay. Pagpunta ko sa bihisan, sa sacristy, kumuha na lang ako ng sutana doon. Eh ang haba ng nakuha kong sutana, dala ko ang crucifix. Umabot naman ako sa gitna at doon ko naapakan yung sutana, plakda ako at tawanan ang tao,” said Tenorio. “Doon na natapos ang pagiging sacristan ko. Napahiya ako, tumigil na ako.”
(I stopped because something happened. It was Simbang Gabi, the eve of Christmas, I forgot my soutane at home. When I went to the sacristy, I just took one of the soutanes but it was too long. I was carrying the crucifix, I made it to the middle of the aisle and it was then I stepped on my soutane. I fell flat on my face, and the people laughed. That was when my days as an acolyte ended. I was embarrassed, so I quit.)
Tenorio said that even though he worked to become a priest, basketball always drew him in as it was easy to play and always readily available.
“It’s easy to play basketball. You just go out of the house and you can play. Everyone was playing basketball. If you’re not playing basketball, then you’re just running around outside,” said Tenorio, who started playing the sport at age six.
