Bleacher Talk

Learning Never Stops “Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.” - William Arthur Ward. This quotation was presented by Coach Jong Uichico in an ongoing MWF online forum and served as a timely and “clutch” reminder of a message for not only those of us in sports, but everyone in general. In these trying times, these resonate so much more than ever, and we pray that we’re all board on this. Let’s accept as fact that things may never be the same again. For those of us in the sports world, one may think that everything has suddenly stopped. Right? Wrong! Think ahead of the game. Be two steps ahead of the competition. Have foresight. Aside from staying home, staying safe and doing our part, we can continue to remain active in sports. If sayings such as “Basketball never stops” filled the atmosphere at practice, this remains true for today, albeit in a different way. This is where the MWF se...

Duwa Na Ta? Play Ball? Duwa na ta! This is a common sentiment among sports lovers (this bleacher bum included) who have missed shooting the ball, kicking the footbball, serving-setting-spiking, swimming in a pool or simply walking, jogging or running. Moreover, athletic teams are raring to roar back into action, recalling that this period would’ve featured some of the biggest leagues/competitions such as the CVIRAA, NBTC National Finals, Aboitizland Football Cup finals and Palarong Pambansa. We also have the big leagues placed on hold: PBA, NBA, UAAP, NCAA and all professional leagues all over the world. The summer is also supposed to feature the now cancelled hundreds of sports clinics, something that will be absent for the first time as far as I can remember. But we know that all these aren’t possible at all today. Instead, teams and individuals are getting to be creative staying in shape by working out on their own rather than playing or practicing with teammates or friends. ...

GAIN Insights. SEEK Wisdom. CREATE a Plan of Action Meet like-minded individuals…online. “Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures/actions,” Noli Ayo of Ateneo de Davao said. With COVID-19 stepping up, the affable Athletics Director of ADDU looked for ways to keep in touch with his staff while on ECQ. He then thought of a small online class with guest speakers coming on board to discuss pre-assigned topics. After this bleacher bum was invited to give a talk, we discussed if this could be expanded where all the speakers can be part of the “class.” Coach Noli said he would work on it, citing that FB Messenger can accommodate only six persons in a video chat. A day after this exchange, Coach Noli excitedly sent an invitation to sports friends for an online forum via Zoom. Welcome to the new norm. Having coffee (or a beer) with colleagues and friends in sports is one of the best ways to exchange notes and learn from each other. This was a norm each time we get together ...

Stop the Hate! Aren’t wars supposed to bring out the best in us as a united country? Every time our “Pambansang Kamao” Manny Pacquiao climbs up that boxing ring, the country practically goes on a lockdown just to watch him fight. Every time Gilas Pilipinas played in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and later the FIBA World Cup, the country cheered from their homes and fans trooped to the Mall of Asia Arena or Philippine Arena to yell out “Puso!” each time they heard the lead cheer of “Laban Pilipinas!” When the men’s national volleyball team bagged the silver at the Southeast Asian Games, it was like winning the gold with the whole nation behind them. And when the women’s national basketball team won the SEAG gold for the first time in history, fans and supporters were so happy for them as they stepped out of the shadows of the men’s basketball side. All these had one dominant trait in common. To borrow from the SEAG slogan, “We Win As One,” and true enough, the Philippines won a...

Schools, Leagues Cope With the Times Schools and leagues are coping with both internal and external factors that are unprecedented and thus call for careful review and action. In an online gathering of sports officials via zoom, various school and league officials bared their experiences in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the first concerns were how to take care of players especially those who live far away from their homes. Oliver Almadro, head coach of the Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles, said he didn’t hesitate to ask his players to go home, saying that they were better in the comforts of their families. “As a father myself, I felt the best place for them was with their families and not here in the dorm. They’re safer and more comfortable when at home,” he said. “This is no longer about volleyball,” he added. For those who couldn’t go home, Jose Rizal University Athletic Director Paul Supan bared that school officials and coaches have to stand as the second parent...