Mendoza: Who will star in Game 7, D. I or Alapag?

Monday, January 16, 2012

EARLIER, it was the forgotten man that starred, powering Petron to a 3-1 edge over Talk ‘N Text in the best-of-seven semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup.

That long-lost legend was none other than Danny “DI” Ildefonso.

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Known before as Danny I or D.I., Ildefonso, the two-time MVP, has been recently rechristened “Lakay.”

Lakay is an Ilocano word that has many meanings. I know. My father was an Abra-born Ilocano (Pidigan), with roots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Lakay can mean “buddy” or “sir.” It can also mean “beloved hubby” when the wife uses the word to call her husband. Generally, lakay is a term of endearment.

But literally, lakay in Ilocano means “old.”

So, is Ildefonso old?

Not to me. At 35, Ildefonso is still as strong as a bull. The way he plays, he can still hack it.

He proved that not just once but twice, even thrice, in the ongoing Petron-TNT series.

Three times, he was a major key in Petron’s three successive victories that produced that 3-1 Blaze lead.

Yes, Lakay was “silent” the last three years or so but only because he was recuperating from injuries brought on by wear and tear.

But before that, Danny I, at 35, was considered old hat, if not old dog, by many self-styled experts in the league.

But not to coach Ato Agustin, who continues to keep faith in Lakay.

And the way Agustin harnesses the seemingly limitless talents of Ildefonso, one is simply tempted to say that Ato is proving to all and sundry that his victory in the last PBA Conference—against TNT--was not a fluke.

Then, after the forgotten man had done his thing, in came the main man.

Jimmy Alapag, the reigning MVP, engineered the forging of a 3-3 deadlock.

In Game 5, Alapag hit a three as time was expiring to slash Petron’s margin to 3-2.

Then in Game 6, Alapag buried all four charities in endgame to force a Game 7 decider
on Wednesday.

It’s been a series of come-and-go and so, will Lakay be the Comeback Kid again on Wednesday?

I say, Alapag the Mighty Mouse could be that loaded he might yet outshine anew the forgotten man – for good.

I can’t wait for Game 7 to begin.

(alsol47@yahoo.com)