Monday, February 12, 2007 Sayson: Naron and Aloma Medical shine in Orlando By Homer Sayson Second overtime
CHICAGO—At a smallish 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, he wasn't an intimidating force in the shaded area. And neither was he the explosive scorer who romanced the headlines with 30 or 40-point bombs.
But when it came to articulating the virtues of team play, University of the Visayas alum Edward Naron was as eloquent as anyone who ever played the point guard position. And that's why he is a winner.
Edward won one title as a Baby Lancer in the 80s, three as a Lancer in college. He played for five years in the PBL and won championships under the banner of Sta. Lucia and Otto Shoes.
Edward didn't snare a crown at the pro level, but he reached his zenith in the PBA, where he played for San Miguel and Ginebra between 1997 to 2003, collecting three runner-up finishes as a Beerman.
A slipped disk sidelined Edward for six months in 1999. He was never the same again. Injury robbed his speed and mobility. And it took the edge off his silky smooth, lefty jumpshot.
"No regrets," Naron, now 38, told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday. "I averaged about 8.0 points and 3.1 assists in my six years as a pro. It ain't much, but it ain't too little, either. I am so blessed to have played in the PBA."
In 2003, Edward and his family migrated to New York. They loved it there, but the weather didn't suit them. Too cold, too much snow. So they sought warm refuge in Florida, the Sunshine State.
Edward is married to the love of his life, Vilma Hortelano. They met in high school, where she swept him off his feet with her charm, melted him with her gorgeous looks. They have two kids, Camille, 15, and 14-year old Ed, a 5-foot-8 teen who has inherited his dad's hoops genes and plays for a junior Magic league in Orlando.
Vilma was a former Lancers muse. She also has brains to match her beauty. She became a registered nurse and she now nurtures the sick in the same Orlando hospital where Edward works.
THE FSDI. While in Florida, Edward met Balt Quinain Jr, the CEO of Aloma Medical, a giant Orlando-based health care facility owned by Balt's wife, Dr. Gina Pongos-Quinain. Dr. Gina comes from a wealthy clan in Ormoc. She is a cousin of actress-model Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Balt and Edward then formed the Florida Sports Development Institute Inc. (FSDI), a non-profit corporation aimed to promote and support Fil-Am basketball development programs. Balt is the president while Edward is executive director.
Before moving to the US, Balt was a Cebu journalist. His father was the late Balt Quinain Sr, a respected Cebuano newsman. Balt''s fondest wish is "to establish Florida as a stronghold of Fil-Am basketball and make it a major breeding ground for future professional and amateur players."
Led by Naron, FSDI's training crew consists of ex-USJR Jaguar John Murly Cabarrubias and Carlos California, ex-CCC Executive Teng Prejudo and former high-profile college players Glen Montenegro, Arnel Mosqueda, Elpie Castro and Berlie Belen.
FSDI has a pool of players spread in two equally-formidable teams—the Orlando Aces and the Aloma Medical Vipers. Mainly through the major financial backing of Aloma Medical, the Aces and Vipers are able to compete in local and out-of-town tourneys.
With Balt's and Edward's direction and dedication, FSDI quickly got noticed.
"Our group was admitted to the North American Basketball Association inter-cities league. NABA is the biggest and prestigious Fil-Am league in the US, and its list of alums include Rudy Hatfield, Eric Menk, Jayjay Helterbrand, Kelly Williams and Florida's own, John Arigo.
"Our entry to the NABA is a deserved recognition of the sacrifices and hard work that all FSDI coaches, trainers and players have made. We entered the playoffs in our maiden NABA appearance last September and we are now preparing for 2007 inter-cities tournament this September in Toronto," Balt said.
FSDI has made tremendous strides on the playing field. Off the field, "it has become a powerful tool that fosters unity, harmony and cooperation in the Filipino community," Balt and Edward declared in proud unison.
That's the story of Edward and Balt. Two Pinoys united by a shared passion for basketball. Under their watch, the sky is the limit for the FSDI.
