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Sunday, April 03, 2005
Sayson: Happy trails to you, turn left
By Homer Sayson
Second Overtime
CHICAGO – When I joined Sun.Star Cebu 58 months ago in the summer of 2000, I honestly believed that I had finally found the place I could call my literary home until my ink dried.
It’s been a dream job, indeed. It has paid me handsomely, and has taken me to some of the world’s biggest and grandest sports events. And through the exposure of a four-times-a-week meanderings, I have gained a little popularity.
What a fabulous ride it’s been, full of laughter, joy and sorrow, and memories to last a lifetime. But after some 506 columns, four live NBA Finals coverages, and six world boxing championship fight credentials, my time here at Sun.Star Cebu is done.
And so today, my dear readers, I bid you all farewell.
Three years ago, I was lured by a Manila-based national daily to write for them. I was to start as a feature-writer before eventually becoming a sports columnist. The offer was good – P1,700 per column – and the sight of a taller mountain to climb was breathtakingly challenging.
Unfortunately, the proposal came at a time when I wasn’t ready to enter the national scene. Back then I’ve wondered: “The Cebuanos have embraced me as their own, would the rest of the country do the same, or will they dismiss me as another trying-hard provinciano?”
Back then, swimming in the large pool of a national readership petrified me. The real danger of drowning in unfamiliar waters held me back, and the very thought of failure made me shake like a leaf.
But like I said, that was three years ago. And this is today. I’m 36-years-old now, much surer of myself and more confident in my writing skills. I am no longer afraid of the dark because if everything in life was certain, would it still be worth living for?
Deciding to leave Sun.Star was extremely difficult. God knows, I wanted to reward this paper’s generosity with my loyalty. But it would be unfair to myself if I didn’t explore a possible career advancement, not to mention the fact that the new rate for my four-times-a-week column had just escalated to a dizzying P2,200 per piece.
I’m going to miss my employers, their kindness and their support. I’m going to miss my editors, their patience and tolerance. And I’m definitely going to miss the friendship I have with my fellow Sun.Star sportswriters.
Oh sure, I will long for my fans, especially the love and adulation that they have given me. I wish I could stay, but sometimes, leaving is what life is really all about. People evolve, we move on. And so I must go.
I originally planned for this column to come out yesterday. But it would have been very obvious. So, let me tell you now – Happy April Fool’s Day!!!!
E-MAILS: From Arman Miasco (arman_miasco30@yahoo.com) of Talibon, Bohol: “Could you provide me a copy of the different NBA magazines you have? I hope you could grant me this simple favor.”
Arman, there is nothing “simple” in your favor. First of all, you’re asking me to part with a personal collection. Secondly, you’re asking me to ship it to you, which in case you don’t know, costs a lot of money. I’m sorry I have to say no. But nice try, though.
From Jedd Uy (black_howling49@hotmail.com): “Why is Yao Ming being called ‘dominant’? Is he underachieving?”
Yao certainly isn’t underachieving. He is nroming 18.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. But I don’t agree that Yao is dominant. If anything, the 7-foot-6 juggernaut is just inconsistent. But, don’t worry, he’ll get better.
From my SuperBalita pal Rogelio Vallena (rojval69@yahoo.com): “I almost fell off my chair when reading your article about Dyan Castillejo. I’m a big fan of hers. She’s beautiful like an angel.”
Nyor, I spoke to Dyan two nights ago and she told me she will be in Cebu on the 8th of April. I don’t think she’ll mind meeting you in the flesh for a photo-op. What do you think?
(homsay@hotmail.com)
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