A (sports) book for the ages

MR. Alfred Yuson, poet, author, publicist:

My friend, thank you for taking me in among the guests during the launch of “5: Tribute to Excellence”  at the historic Ayala Museum in Makati.

It was indeed an affair to remember.

Thank you for a chance to meet again with the great coach Norman Black, who predicted easy sailing for the Gilas national basketball team in the initial round of the Fiba-Asia championship, but who readily warned that the squad will have to surpass itself in order to figure prominently in the succeeding phases of the exacting series.

The launch of the book was a fitting celebration of the mythic feats of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

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“By way of detailed narrative and comprehensive photo coverage,” as stated in the blurb, “herein related is the phenomenal rise of the Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles basketball team-resulting in the historic  ‘five-peat’ accomplished in the UAAP Season 75: five consecutive championships from 2008 to 2012.”

The book, itself a real beauty, is a championship trophy, a crown which should properly be displayed on a table-throne for all sports lovers to admire and enjoy..

The cover alone, done in coated board with a realistic illustration of a pimpled  blue-and-white basketball, is a knockout.

Coffee table book, but it’s more than just that. It’s a masterpiece for all ages.

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Said Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, President, Ateneo de Manila University: “I thank the Class of Grade School 1961-High School 1965-College 1969 for doing this tribute to excellence done and lived the Ateneo way. We have an intimate knowledge of the wellspring from which we draw this drive to run the race, and lead in whatever field we find ourselves in.”

The publisher, thanking the ADMU 616569 Foundation, Inc.  said the “Foundation hopes that this documented historical record will inspire future generations to achieve genuine success, and instill in them the verity that there is no substitute for dedicated hard work and a commitment to excellence.”

In thanksgiving, this reporter will next turn over the celebrated volume, whose writing, editing and publication was spearheaded by Krip Yuson,  to the national sports library at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

There, it should serve as inspiration and reference for all those who honestly care for Philippine sports.