International life

BANGKOK – It is always a rare privilege to cover any sporting event overseas. The thrill of travel creates a willingness to go through the inconvenience of packing, racing to the airport early, and standing in line to check in, go through immigration, and have yourself inspected multiple times does not happen every day. After all of that, everything is new, bright, exciting.

Travel also broadens your perspective and enriches your life. You see more things, learn about more people, understand why they do what they do, and why they are who they are. You comprehend the battles they fight, and what shapes them as a culture. You learn to get around on planes, trains, automobiles, jeeps, bicycles, tricycles, and tuk tuk. You overcome the discomfort of being on your own. You grow. 

After this writer’s rebirth last March, most experiences have been eye-opening and fresh. Eventually, the traveler will realize that there is life outside the Philippines, better in some aspects, worse in others. But people are always finding their way in the world. Time was when we thought that it was only American imports who traveled the world, earning a livelihood in different places. Now, we see that there are so many more people in sports who support their families, build a life, and enhance their careers overseas. Often, their contracts are short, and they have to learn to find work elsewhere. In the crowded, competitive world of Philippine sports, there often isn’t room for everyone. In order to follow their passions, they seek work outside the country.

On this trip alone to cover The Asian Tournament, we’ve been privileged to see how Filipino coaches, referees, technical officials, tournament organizers, TV producers, and even commentators are respected globally. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our counterparts from other parts of the globe and do our country proud. It fills you with a quiet pride, and motivation to not let them all down.

As international events like The Asian Tournament continue to grow and attract more participants, it strikes a happy balance between working away and being home. Beginning April of this year, the league will have a weeklong leg every month, blending its summer and winter tournaments into one long season. More work, more opportunities, more promotion for Filipino sports professionals. Eventually, the experience and respect will lead to bigger things, not just for coaches and players, but for all of us whose lives revolve around sports.

Being able to contribute, even in some small way, leaves one with a sense of fulfillment. When The Asian Tournament inevitably reaches its peak, we’ll be privileged to say that we were there, and we were part of its nascent stages. Happy to be here, grateful for the opportunity, proud to be Filipino and living this international life.