Never Say Die

Originally posted on the PBA website on December 30, 2013

In a very physical game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Meralco last December 28, Japeth Aguilar felt that he can’t get anything going.

“Start pa lang ng game, I felt really tired na talaga. Pagod na pagod ako. I couldn’t move, couldn’t play good defense, couldn’t move my feet. Parang nahihirapan ako sa ilalim. I was really frustrated kanina,” he said.

“They were really physical. I really felt na I was always fouled every time I drove, nawawala sa akin yung bola.”

But the basketball gods smiled his way, saving his best for last.

With 11 seconds remaining on the clock and LA Tenorio getting corralled by Anjo Caram, the 6-foot-10 forward got the ball from his point guard, set his feet beyond the three-point line, shrugging off Reynel Hugnatan in the process, and popped up for the game-winner, sending the ball to the bottom of the net.

It was reminiscent of his buzzer-beating three-pointer against Talk ‘N Text last December 8, where Aguilar saved the day for the Kings from almost the same spot and the same play, with Tenorio giving the rock to Aguilar as time slowly chipped away.

“Yung last actually, parang binigay na rin sa amin ni Lord. Gusto kong mag-thank you kay Lord kasi sa kanya talaga galing yung win na yon,” he said.

Aguilar had no doubt in his mind that as long as there is still time, they still have a chance to win the game, echoing the familiar Ginebra “never say die” spirit.

Ginebra trailed Meralco by five points in the final 15.1 ticks, but a corner three by Jay-R Reyes, who came into the game for Greg Slaughter, kept their hopes alive. Mark Caguioa then fouled John Wilson, who failed to can any of his freebies, and the offensive rebound by Jared Dillinger bounced off of his knee, sending the ball back to Ginebra.

“We have to give credit to Jay-R because when he popped out, he shot the ball, and he didn’t have any hesitation. We were just lucky kasi yung free throws ng Meralco, they missed four in the end,” said Aguilar. “Pagtingin ko ng oras, may mga 11 seconds pa yun, sabi ko, habang may oras pa, may chance pa kaming manalo.”

That set the stage for Aguilar’s three-point bomb which sent the raucous Mall of Asia Arena crowd into a frenzy.

“If we lose, we lose. But if ever I get the ball, the same with the Talk ‘N Text game, I’m gonna take the shot,” Aguilar said.

“It was a really hard-fought game and you have to give credit to Meralco for pushing us to the limit,” he added.

“We were really blessed. Buti na lang binigay sa amin ni Lord yung game. Talagang breaks of the game na lang talaga, and fortunately, it went our way.”

*****

POSTSCRIPT: In the 15.1 second of the fourth quarter when Ginebra trailed Meralco 82-77, the Gin Kings called a timeout. I left my seat at the press row and made my way back to the press room. But when I was about to turn in the upper left corner of the court, I stopped at the corner behind the Meralco bench. There, I looked back at the big screen and watched the play materialize. Jay-R Reyes hit the corner three and the crowd came to life. I didn't bother returning to my seat, but rather, I immersed myself in the crowd. Then, when Japeth nailed the game-winner, I was celebrating with the legions of Ginebra faithful. It was always exciting to see a game-winner, but there is nothing like a game-winner when the team that won the game was Ginebra. Down by five with 15 seconds to play? Really, that's the never say die spirit.

Thank You 2013

"You know, they've got these chocolate assortments, and you like some but you don't like others? And you eat all the ones you don't like as much? I always think about that when something painful comes up. 'Now just polish these off, and everything'll be OK.' Life is a box of chocolates."

- Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood (1987)

That is what 2013 was to me. I remember one time during one of our classes in college, and I thought where will I end up to after graduation. I knew what I wanted, but I don't know if I can make it. That's one of our fears, well, in my case - uncertainty. That everything is beyond your control and there's nothing you could do about it.

Fast forward to right now. January 1, 2014. I'm older by a year, wiser, stronger, and, I hope, continually getting better in living life.

2013 was something of a great year for me, in terms of accomplishments and opportunities. But I'm not the type of person who brags about everything. I just feel that I'm really blessed, and though I'm not that religious, I thank God for that.

And that is one thing I learned from college. Actually from one of our literature professors, Ms. Susan Macapagal - that the best prayer you can ever say is only two words - thank you.

And in that note, I'd like to say thank you to 2013.

Thank you for my family. Though at times, it seems that life is so hard, we always find a chance to be happy.

Thank you for the chance to finally graduate. That after 15 years of education, school really did prepare me for the challenges that await in the real world.

Thank you for the friends, that even though school is over, we still find time to help each other out whenever anybody is in need.

Thank you for the pseudo-family. God knows how much thankful I am for having them.

Thank you for Lola Chayong and Nanay Loly, that though they are not with us anymore, we were able to feel their love and care during the better part of their lives. They're in a better place now, continuing to guide us. Mahal po namin kayo.

Thank you for the opportunity to pursue my passion. Even though it seems hard at times, its always worth the effort once I see the fruits of my labor, more that I can make the people I love proud.

And thank you God. Thank you for continually giving us opportunities and blessings. 

Though I think I might have missed (or didn't have any pictures to put on) other people, you know you made my year an awesome one. And I'm thankful for that too.

If there's one thing I learned in 2013, it is that you'll never know what you're going to get until you get it. All you need to do is to just be thankful of what is given to you and pay it forward to others.

Here's to another great year in 2014! Lets claim it!

Hello

Welcome to my blog.

I'm not really good in introductions and pleasantries so I'll just tell you that I'm Randolph, just turned 21, a Thomasian from the aquatic city of Malabon, a foodie and sometimes a map, and is a sportswriter by profession and by passion.

This is my fifth blog to date, and I hope to finally stick with this until I don't know when.

This is a part of my goal this new year to re-dedicate myself to the craft of writing and continually learn and improve.

Feel free to express yourselves in the comments section if anything comes up.

Here's to the new year! Cheers! :D