Barangay Ginebra guard LA Tenorio plays in his 597th consecutive game in the PBA. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—An outpouring of support came Ginebra guard LA Tenorio’s way after revealing his battle with Stage 3 colon cancer on Tuesday.
Celebrities, public figures, basketball personalities and fans took to social media to rally behind the PBA legend, who revealed the reason for his extended absence in a statement posted on the PBA website.
The official Instagram of the Fiba Asia Cup even sent its sincerest wishes of recovery for the Gilas Pilipinas standout: “Prayers up for a local legend.”
Tenorio’s former national team teammates also paid tribute to the veteran campaigner and offered their prayers after the shock announcement.
“Dasal lang tol, kaya ‘yan! Ikaw pa? [Ang] lakas mo na tao kaya ka nga Ironman, e. Dito lang kami, tol. Madami nagmamahal sa’yo at nagdadasal! See you soon sa laro ng PBA,” Pingris said.
(Pray on, brother. You can do it! You’re a strong man, that’s why they call you Ironman. We’re just here for you. A lot of people love you and are praying for you. See you soon in the PBA.)
Andray Blatche, the naturalized player that Gilas had when Tenorio was still donning the national team colors, also wished the veteran playmaker a speedy recovery.
“Keeping you in my prayers, bro. Get well soon.”
Jimmy Alapag, Tenorio’s backcourt tandem at Gilas, also took to Instagram to remember his fellow veteran point guard and their battles together wearing the Philippines’ jersey.
“Praying for you My Brother,” Alapag said.
LOVE FROM AROUND THE PBA
Backcourt rivals Chris Ross and LA Tenorio. –PBA IMAGES
Tenorio also got love for him rivals in the PBA, where he has made a name for himself as “Iron Man” for playing a league-record 744 consecutive games.
San Miguel’s Chris Ross, who has been in numerous down-the-wire showdowns with Tenorio’s Gin Kings, gave Tenorio a sincere message on Twitter.
“Praying for you, brother! I know you got this! You’re a warrior, bro!” tweeted Ross, who has been Tenorio’s assignment in the backcourt for the longest time. “We are all in your corner!”
Praying for you brother!! I know you got this!! You’re a warrior bro! We are all in your corner!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🖤🖤🖤 @LA_Tenorio
— Chris Ross (@cmross6) March 21, 2023
Rain or Shine veteran Gabe Norwood, also took a little time to urge his followers and supporters alike to “pour in prayers for his brother.”
TNT’s Matt Ganuelas-Rosser shared some optimism with his message for Tenorio, saying that he can overcome adversity because he is the “Ironman for a reason.”
NCAA coach Charles Tiu took a small moment of appreciation for the PBA veteran after the shocking news. “That was [a] really shocking news and painful to hear. Get well soon brother LA, rooting for you! Prayers.”
Prayers up for @LA_Tenorio and your family! You’re the Iron Man for a reason! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Matt Ganuelas-Rosser (@Real_Mateo) March 21, 2023
Tenorio garnered love not just from around the league, but even outside of it as basketball fans and spectators alike flooded social media sites with their message for the basketball star.
Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, also gave the “Tinyente” some words of encouragement.
“Laban lang Tinyente! Prayers up for your recovery.”
Tenorio, who is already sidelined for Ginebra with a groin injury causing his streak to end, revealed he has already undergone surgery in relation to his bout with cancer with other treatments coming up in the next few months.