HULI KONG laro sa organized basketball sa New Zealand, isang 35-and-over tournament bago pa matapos term ni Pres Noynoy (tagal na nun), ensayo pa lang nasiko na ko sa tadyang. Naramdaman ko dahil nagpa sub ako agad, at di nawala yung sakit, nakakagulat at ni hindi naramdaman nung taong nakasiko na natamaan nya ako, ang laki-laki nya kasi, mga 6’2 kasi .
Di na ako sumali sa liga uli after that, my days living out every Pinoy’s fantasy of being a high-flying, human highlight basketball combo of the Big J and MJ (Magic Johnson, not the other MJ, and I never embraced the Lakers) were long over. but every time I pass by a Pinoy paliga (competition) and all the intensity and excitement it entails, I never fail to be an impromptu spectator, cheering on the players like there’s no tomorrow.
There promises to be more paliga and tournaments, both regular and invitational during the Labour Day long weekend and Christmas / New Year holidays, when traditionally, Pinoy communities all over New Zealand hold their own versions of the FIBA World Cup, with colorful uniforms underwritten by local sponsors, dedicated and meticulous work done by table officials and referees, and of course, screams and shouts from wives, girlfriends and children of the players.
***** ***** *****
Then of course there are the players themselves. From all ages, generations and occupations. Basketball is the great equalizer, and for a couple of hours the only entertainment in many farm towns for Pinoy communities esp in the South Island, who as OFWs then as migrants haven’t fully embraced rugby or soccer, never mind cricket. It will always be basketball.
Just a few reminders to our kabayan before the long weekend in New Zealand as they embark on the endless quest to become champions of their respective basketball tournaments, whether as rookie bagong dating, perennial contender or darkhorse old-timer just hoping to keep fit while renewing friendships through our beloved basketball:
Keep it clean, hwag nang manakit bro. inarguably, basketball is a contact sport and a physical sport. Sabi nga ng mga pilosopong basketbolista, kung ayaw mong masaktan, magpingpong ka na lang or magchess.
Ironic but the moves creating the most injury and damage are the subtlest: a well-placed elbow here and there, a slight nudge to an airborne opponent causing a nasty landing, fracture or worse, or planting a foot on the jump shooter’s “landing spot”, often causing a ligament-tearing ankle roll and potentially keeping the injured player out of work for days, if not months. And for what? A meaningless win or even a trophy, in exchange for a bad memory, bad rep and bad blood between members of the only community that matters to you. It’s not worth it kabayan.
Wag nang subukang mandaya. There are many ways to game the system, to pick up an unfair advantage over your opponents. One is to literally bully your opponent using technicalities or experience. Recruiting players from outside the community is common practice, but in theory it goes against good faith and fair play. For example, you know someone in Christchurch used to play in the PBL (or whatever the semi-pros are called back home). He’s still in good shape, knocks over anyone in his way, and is also half a foot taller than anyone in the liga. kukunin mo ba sya sa team mo? (Is the Pope Catholic? Will Chot Reyes be a big zero in the FIBA?) Of course you will. Never mind that he’s never set foot in your town and he’s not even a permanent resident yet. Basta Pinoy, wala nang tanong-tanong.
Other ways of playing dirty ball: knowing the other team is full of players in their teens, takutan na lang. Mura-murahin mo sila, and just throw your weight around. Filipino culture prevents youth from showing any kind of disrespect to their elders. You gotta balance out their energy and athleticism with your sharp elbows and intimidating play. Tama? Well, you’ll win the game, but ultimately you lose respect. Not only from your opponents, but from everyone else. Is that worth being literally, magulang?
[ BONUS: I know for a fact that when all else fails, in many Pinoy basketball tournaments, the “experienced” team as a last resort goes to the arbiters and the “authorities” during the game and, offers a little coin, and ultimately, makes it a seven-on-five game. Good if the other team is really really superior to the “experienced” opponent and the refs still make it look like a competitive match but, in the end, the more desperate team needs to get its money’s worth. Is this really how you want to win guys? ]
and lastly… remember kung bakit kayo naglalaro. If you don’t remember, it’s to bond and strengthen friendships through the shared experience of sport, excellence and teamwork are secondary, fair play and friendship are the priority. Creating memories through intense competition are good, but without dirty play and using an unfair advantage. If you are pikon (sore loser or can’t accept losing) and forget the true meaning of youth leagues and community sports, it’s probably better to channel your aggression in other activities. Try joining the army or hiking alone, maybe you’ll gain a better perspective in life.
Honestly, it can be embarrassing at times to the Pinoy community. Few years back, an NZ-wide sports fest, inviting Pinoy teams from all the cities and towns had to be canceled on the championship night as a free-for-all fistfight had erupted between two Auckland teams. Police were called and the 3rd place team was declared champion. Truly kahiya-hiya tayo sa mga mata ng ibang lahi.
Let’s all have fun as players or cheering on our sons, husbands, brothers or boyfriends during these sportsfests, but partisanship has its limits. Sa bawat laro, may panalo at may talo. Sa pakikisama, panalo tayong lahat.
Thanks for reading!
