Making kwento....with Quinito

For the thirty-second (32nd) straight year, the Sportswriters Association of Cebu or "SAC" recognized Cebu's top athletes and sportsmen for 2013 at ceremonies held at the Activity Center of the Ayala Center Cebu. With San Miguel Brewery Inc. as its presenting partner, Cebu's sportswriters took time out to cite the athletes who they cover, write about and tag along with for a whole year. As "partners in crime," we sportswriters, athletes and coaches have gone about our respective roles in the world of sports, maximizing our efforts to help push Cebu Sports. And we get together every year in a ceremony away from the usual sports venues to recognize Cebu's best. A total of 122 athletes, personalities or entities were cited, from sports alphabet world of athletics to football and all the way wrestling. Each sport had its share of special citations or major awards. We also had special awards for a distinct few. Highlight of the ceremony was the talk of our special guest: no less than Quinito Henson, easily one of the country's most respected sports tri-media personalities and music lover, all rolled into one. When it all wrapped up, Rubilen Amit was named as Athlete of the Year for a second time for her exploits in the world of pool/billiards.

In his talk, Quinito challenged both athletes and sportswriters to level up and strive to become better in their craft not only as sports people but more importantly become persons with character. A Quinito talk always has so much meat to it with tons of quotable quotes and highlights, but I'd like to cite a few major points that will surely ring a bell for all. This is picked up not in any order of preference. Addressing the athletes, he presented pillars of sports excellence: Shield of Distinction, Proof of Character, Humble in Victory, Gracious in Defeat, Cherish the Moment, Keep Sharp Focus, Armed for Battle, Animo Spirit  and  Guidance from Upstairs. Under the pillar "Shield of Distinction," he said that there are no short cuts to success and there should be no regrets. More importantly, he highlighted that

"Champions never complain, they're too busy getting better." So true, di ba? An important highlight here is that "championship is a bonus" for all the efforts that one puts into his sport.

Proof of Character.  Since sports is a character building in nature, Quinito shared that athletes should "be concerned about one's character, not one's reputation." While "ability will get you to the top, character will keep you there." So true again. How many athletes fail miserably since their only worry is all about their reputation and ego? Ouch! Humble in Victory, Gracious in Defeat. He said that "one can only win if one isn't afraid to lose and that victory is sweeter when you've known defeat." Citing Manny Pacquiao as an example who lost early in his career and later to Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley, Henson said those losses only made Pacquiao stronger and better. He then encouraged SAC awardee Merlito Sabillo (who had just lost his world title a week ago) to learn from his loss and become a better boxer out of it.

Cherish the Moment. Playing in a game should be cherished. It should be used "to foster camaraderie and to build on sports experience for the future." He emphasized that representing school or country is an honor and privilege. And this has to be respected and carried out with pride. Keep Sharp Focus. All athletes should always "play your guts out." And while they're at it, he added "Don't involve yourself in what doesn't involve you," illustrating how players shouldn't worry about the calls of referees and what the opponents are saying, especially when it's close and tight. How to focus? "Stay the course."

All athletes need to be Armed for Battle. This covers everything from skills training, getting coaching expertise, being in tip top shape, building confidence and being both mentally and physically fit. When someone fails in any of these, he surely won't succeed. Carrying over something from his alma mater De La Salle, he stressed the need to have an "Animo Spirit." Didn't you ever wonder why La Salle supporters always shout "Animo!" It's all about developing a never-say-die attitude despite all odds. "Wear your heart on your sleeve and leave it all on the floor. And there should be no surrender until the end."

And lastly, all need to seek "Guidance from the Man Upstairs." In sports, athletes should "offer it up to the Lord, pray for strength and seek His wisdom." Athletes must never think that they can do this all by themselves. And there's also a need to be thankful for the chance to do God's will and for being blessed with so much skills and talent. After all, how many are given all these?

Quinito could've gone on an on and on.....In a text to us, he said, "I super enjoyed, wish I could've stayed the night to make kwento with you guys." Yes, there will surely be another night to "make kwento."

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Time-out: Sign up for the Milo-sponsored BEST Basketball Clinic. May 12-17, 2014 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Avenue Campus. For details, go to the FB page BEST Center Sports - Cebu.

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You can reach me at [email protected].