Samboy and me

A few weeks ago, PBA legend Samboy Lim was in the news again. Wheelchair-bound, Samboy was at the UP Diliman Amphitheater to attend his daughter Jamie’s graduation rites. Not so long ago, Samboy now 57, collapsed on the bench after playing briefly in an exhibition game at the Ynares Center in Pasig.  Samboy suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to the Medical City without a pulse. After being revived and placed on therapeutic hypothermia for 48 hours, Samboy has awaken but remained paralyzed. He cannot see or speak. Samboy’s daughter Jamie, a karate blackbelter at 18, was Summa Cum Laude of the College of Science. Jamie hopes to be part of the Philippine Karate team to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.  Samboy, who wore protective mask to prevent infection, was in tears when Jamie’s name was called. Samboy’s condition is stable but unchanged.  His feet and hands have atrophied.  Samboy undergoes physical therapy thrice a week and occupational therapy once a week. Samboy and I became good friends when he frequented our specialty restaurant along Vito Cruz extension in Makati in the late eighties. Samboy’s favorite is the Lapaz Batchoy which he said gave him more power to skywalk. Before a game, Samboy devours two bowls of Lapaz Batchoy.  Other PBA players who frequented our place were Jerry and Harmon Codinera, Yves Dignadice, Bong Alvarez, Alvin Patrinomio, Jun Limpot, Jimmy Noblezada and Noli Boy Locsin.  Limpot was a Lapaz Batchoy addict that he opened a franchise in Pearl Plaza in Paranaque. Locsin, an Ilongga, also opened a franchise at Tutuban Plaza in Divisoria. Well, Samboy, we are always praying for your complete recovery so you could skywalk again.  Boxers and runners who frequented Casa Ilongga included Roel and Onyok Velasco, Leopoldo Cantancio, Jimmy Dela Torre, Herman Suizo, Lydia De Vega and Elma Muros. By the way, the Freeman’s Manny Villaruel is likewise a Lapaz Batchoy addict.

Hanep si halep

Simona Halep spoiled Serena Willliams date with history of equaling Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles record when she beat Serena in their Wimbledon Final.  Seven-time champion Serena has missed two chances to the Australian’s record.  Halep was 2018 French Open champion was seeking her fifth Grand Slam final. Meanwhile, Tito Roger Federer (he’s the uncle of my niece Julia Uytiepo Palmiano who is married to Vence Federer, nephew of Roger) defeated arch rivalry “tokayo”  Rafael Nadal for his 12th Wimbledon final.  In 2008 Nadal won over Federer. The 37-year old, eight-time champion however lost to defending champion Novak Djokovic.

Did you know?

ANN TRASON is a 14-time women’s champion at Western States 100 and holds  world records at the 50 mile (5:40:18 in 1991), 100K ( 7:0047 in 1995), 12 hour  (91miles 1312 yards in 1991) and 100 mile ( 13:47: 42) in 1991 Ann currently coaches cross country races

Davey Moore/Benny Paret

On March 21, 1963, Davey Moore, defending his world featherweight title, retired at the end of the tenth round and in his dressing room collapsed into a coma, dying two days later.  The following evening, Emile Griffith in a grudge fight for the world welterweight title, savagely defeated Benny Paret, who called him a homosexual.  Paret collapsed into a coma and died 10 days later.

Martina Navratilova

Then a 19-year old Czech tennis player, defected to America in May 1975 after the US Open to begin a new life as one of the sports finest and richest players.  Earlier, she was runner-up to Chris Evert in the French Open and to Evonne Goo Lagong in the Australian Open.

Mike Tyson

Knocked out challenger Michael Spinks in Altlantic City in 1988 with just eight punches, his income from the fight worked out at $ 2.5 million per punch.  In 1997, he earned $ 75 million  and became the highest- paid athlete in the entire history of sports.  If he hadn’t got so peckish during his fight with Evander Holyfield, he would surely have earned even more the following year.  “Abini Tyson” chicharon and dunganni Holyfield”.