At stake in the 5 p.m. match, which is expected to draw a mammoth but cheerful crowd, is this year’s UAAP men’s basketball title. And the President, an avid basketball fan in her younger days, simply wanted to be part of it all.
Therefore, barring any last-minute changes in her day’s itinerary, including an out-of-town trip in the morning and a formal gathering in Manila in the evening, the Chief Executive will be there to join the fun — the cheering or even the jeering.
The Presidnet watching the game would definitely be a delight for the players, the fans and the millions of viewers at home as well. But certainly it’ll be a nightmare for the members of the Presidential Security Group.
The series opener last Sept. 28 attracted a total of 11,800 fans, a number, which grew to 15,400 during the second game. It is expected to be even bigger for today’s decisive game. To secure a crowd that big is not an easy task.
The First Gentleman, Jose Miguel Arroyo, studied in Ateneo, where the President once taught. It was not certain, though, if Mr. Arroyo has plans of watching the game, too.
In a recent meeting with sports scribes, the President said he used to cheer on the Eagles although her younger brother, Diosdado Jr. (Boboy), was from La Salle. The President also said she was a fan of then La Salle cager Kurt Bachmann.
Therefore, it’s really hard to predict which team she’s be rooting for — if ever she gets to watch the game.