MVP deserves a lot of credit for Ateneo 5-peat crown

A LOT of credit must go to Manny V. Pangilinan for his years of support for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. He had been financing the school team for years and in spite of his controversy with some Jesuits—not the president—he told Norman Block to stay as coach of the team until the end of season.

To an outsider it might be difficult to understand but to an Atenean who had known the Jesuits for 10 years, it’s normal. I’ve trained with the American Jesuits for 10 years; I understand MVP’s decision.

The Ateneo spirit lives with the Atenean—that is for life. MVP’s concern for the Blue Eagles is deeply imbedded in his heart. He cannot turn away from such concern. After Norman Block is transferred to the PBA Talk N Text, I’m sure MVP will find a substitute for him. That is what the tens of thousands of Ateneo Alumni are hoping.

The spat of MVP with some Jesuits I am not surprised. If you put 3 top Jesuits in a room and give them 1 topic to discuss, they will come out with 3 different well defended views. That’s how their minds work.

Our American Jesuit professor would ask one of us what he thinks of this and that topic; then he would say “prove your statement.” The moment you stammer, he would wave you off saying. “Gratis aseretur, gratis negatur. Whatever you say without proof I deny without further statement, next.”

You might often disagree with them but when you leave school, you’ll miss them. They’re quite a bunch of lovable priests.

We appeal to MVP to please reconsider.