TRADE TUG OF WAR

2 power franchises in a tug of war!

Tho one feels that victory isn't far.

Both want the prize, but one is more aggressive

If they get the NUMBER 1, it will certainly be impressive!

More than that they want the TOP SCORER

They'll be unstoppable if ever.

Where are they getting the pickings?

A team in the bottom of the standings!

You gotta make your move now before it's too late,

Put on the table, a great trade bait!

ATHELTES TURNED ADVOCATES

From my Manila Standard Column "Game Winners" , March 25, 2011


Winning. Beyond what Charlie Sheen vehemently rants about, winning is all about conquering. It’s all about great results. It’s all about making a difference. That’s winning. It’s not just about the final score or whose opponent is down for the count. Winning is about triumph, and a lot of times it’s the triumph that’s experienced beyond the realm of the playing area is really what counts.

Last March 22, the Talk and Text Tropang Texters came in full force to support the first ever Philippines Walks for Water, an event championed by Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) which is owned by Manny Pangilinan’s MPIC and the Consunji’s DMCI. They were champions on the court, but displayed their winning characters by championing this cause for water for the poor.

It was to give a voice to the 16 million Filipinos who do not have access to water and it was to take the necessary steps to ensure that the government, private sector and civil society would be more conscientious on the many issues on water and its usage.

More than walking a 2kilometer stretch with over 2,000 government employees, students and volunteers, the Tropang Texters were among the 200 who carried 5gallon containers filled with water. Coach Chot Reyes, Coach Norman Black, Coach Mike Jarin, Coach Bong Ravena and Team Manager Aboy Castro brought the entire platoon.

Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Ryan Reyes, Larry Fonacier, Jason Castro, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, Emerson Oreta, Mark Yee, Ali Peek, Ranidel de Ocampo, Rich Alvarez, Gilbert Lao were all in attendance and each carried heavy water jugs throughout the course plotted around the SM Mall of Asia.

More than the hardcourt heroes, the finest and up and coming Boxing stars came as a force as well. Coach Pat Gaspi and numerous other coaches along with Asian Games Gold Medalist Rey Saludar and plenty of other boxers made up ABAP’s huge contingent, led by its Executive Director and veteran sportscaster Ed Picson.

They all were thrilled to have been able participate in the event specially because the heavy water jugs they carried were immediately donated by Maynilad to needy families in Sitio Bakal Commonwealth. These athletes experienced what millions of Filipinos, mostly children go through daily – having to fetch water from a distant source for their daily use. Water flowing from faucets is a luxury most people take for granted while others treat it like gold.

There are so many other athletes that are using their influence and positive traits to be part of the change in this world full of harshness and desperation. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are some of the top tennis stars who will participate in a charity football match to raise money for earthquake and tsunami relief missions in Japan.

Vince Hizon was the first ever PBA player to set up a foundation while still active. He set up libraries and computer centers in schools of far flung or depressed municipalities around the country. Powerade’s Rob Reyes recently celebrated his 28th birthday with my foundation, the Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation and brought happiness to the 25 boys from the Jesus Loves the Little Children Foundation in Pasig.
The PBA itself is a partner of the High Five Hope Foundation, an organization that gives needed and valuable sports programs for street kids of Metro Manila (Paranaque, Pasay, Marikina, Manila, Quezon City, etc) under the care of Childhope Asia, and Metro Cebu under the care of the Cebu City Task force of Councilor Margarita Osmena, wife of Congressman Tomas Osmena. High Five Hope has also received a big boost from Maynilad and Smart Sports who has been synonymous to helping athletes and uplifting Philippine Sports.

Their support will be instrumental in the staging of the project which aims to elevate the children’s self confidence, sense of teamwork, respect and accountability. It keeps them off the streets, off drugs and into better habits like healthy competition and working with others for a common goal.

The High Five Hope tournament in Manila kicks off tomorrow at the Rizal Coliseum where hundreds of their street kid beneficiaries participate in a volleyball clinic by the Women’s National team through the Philippine Volleyball Federation, led by Gener Dungo. They’ll also have a basketball clinic with some professional coaches and PBA players, and a soccer games with the Futkal association. Fil-am rapper Mike Swift and his crew will also be performing for the kids.

When an athlete laces up his shoes, or puts on his gloves to conquer his opponent, he becomes a winner. When the sneakers and gloves come off and he helps conquer worthy causes, he become a hero.

To know more about athletes turned advocates, tweet me: @patriciahizon or visit my website: www.patriciahizon.com

Try again!

time to play another guessing game
the objective is still pretty much the same

- "finished" two times
- Sounds like a beagle
- What's an atmospheric discharge?
- coalesced berries

They haven't given up on the three,
Tho their future is on one man's mercy!

They didn't get it done the first time around
They're rushing so solutions could be found!

Many argue that this a fair trade...
C'mon now! Let's call a spade a spade!