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Monday, November 07, 2005
Mendoza: Rooming with cap
By Alfonso "Dayong" J. Mendoza Jr.
Dayong's Corner
THE Purefoods Chunkee Giants streaked to four straight wins since I joined the team last October 14. It was highlighted by back-to-back overtime wins against Alaska and San Miguel.
On a Halloween night, the Talk N Text played us with a precise trick or treat game. We lost with Coach Joel Banal's Phone Pals pulling the trick on our import, Marquin Chandler, who finished with just 5 points. Saints and souls may have a hand as the air-con of the jam-packed Araneta Coliseum broke down on that bizarre sweltering Sunday night.
A week before that, Saturday the 22nd to be precise, I boarded a new plane with our team manager Alvin Patrimonio. Known as the Captain during his MVP playing years, the man is a walking legend. Along with our team cameraman, Ferdie, we were bound down south for a Cagayan de Oro game.
Departing passengers of the old domestic airport made sure to squeeze in near Alvin for a souvenir photo op and autograph signing. The 4-time MVP apparently never lost his appeal. I volunteered as photographer for the queuing fans.
During my stint with Shell, my assigned roommate was 3-time MVP and fellow Assistant Coach Bogs Adornado. Today with Purefoods, I have been assigned to share a room with another MVP in Alvin at the VIP hotel in downtown Cagayan de Oro.
Head Coach Ryan Gregorio pushed all the right buttons as we conquered the Ginebra Kings by limiting their import Sean Lampley down to 6 points inside the Xavier Gym. Last year, Shell also won here against Red Bull.
Back in our hotel, I am hearing it straight from the Captain with his words of wisdom. He humbly narrates "hard work and discipline" made him one of the greatest players of Philippine basketball.
I discovered the Captain loved the air-con in full throttle as I shivered under my blanket in cold on my way to sleep. Next time around, I will make sure I bring my sweater and pajamas, a reminder in future rooming with Cap.
Pondering on a freezing room, I have to conclude that the Captain is the warmest and humblest person you will ever meet even with all of his countless achievements.
Email the author at dayongscorner@yahoo.com
(November 7, 2005 issue)
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