"They wanted it to be a bridal affair, but we had an idea and we thought of using basketball players who graciously accepted," reveals Yonina Chan of The Sharper Edge, the group that organized the event. "Because the artistas, theyre kind of used to the ramps and everybody sees them on camera. You see basketball players, its a new thing. Its more than I imagined, Im so happy with the turnout. And people really liked the players!"
"This is a spin-off from the way they usually see players," said an extremely pleased Aranda. "Its a different look for them in a corporate style. And theyre not just the typical suits. Theyre the "now" suits."
The very first one up on the ramp was none other than Elmer Yanga, whose crown of white hair made an elegant contrast to the black suit he carried with such dignity as he marched down the catwalk by himself.
"Im kind of excited," the RFM Groups senior vice-president admitted. "This is my first time to do this. Im kind of excited. And, since I referred some of the players, I have to show leadership by example. I suppose Im the Father of the Groom."
Since the group now had a veteran team manager, who would follow if not the coach? Purefoods Ryan Gregorio soon shared the stage with his rookie Paul Artadi and Coca-Colas Johnny Abarrientos.
"Every time we do something different, theres always that anxiety or fear that you might make a mistake or trip or something," Gregorio says. "Its different when Im coaching, because I dont think about the people around me. But every time you walk on the catwalk, all eyes are on you."
The big men came next, with Eric Reyes and Cokes Poch Juinio sporting corduroy jackets and pants in a greenish shade of brown with black turtleneck sweaters underneath. Trailing them was another trio of guards in San Miguel Beers Olsen Racela, Boybits Victoria (whose knees were shaking) and Coca-Colas Gec Chia (who was so tense he had trouble mustering a smile), who all wore more casual jackets with silver buttons.
"I think people will look at the way we handle the clothes they gave us," presumed Chia. "Its new because they usually model the brides. So now its us dressed as grooms."
Purefoods rookie PJ Simon was next, feeling very alone as the lights and attention were all on him. The Enterprises lobby was packed, and the predominantly female crowd was very appreciative.
"This is the first time this has happened to me," he admitted. "The ambiance is different. Its formal, and with the suits, you really feel like walking down the ramp just kidding. They just told us to be ourselves, smile a little bit."
Lastly came a pair of shooting guard in Sunkist-USTs Alex Compton and St. Franciss Roy Billanes. Compton even did a stand-upper while being interviewed for this story and The Basketball Show.
"The organizers wanted something novel for the event. Bridal affairs are kind of cliche, so we asked some friends like Mr. Yanga to help recruit them," adds Mina Caliguia, who helped coordinate the players participation. "And besides, theyre tall, they dont have bellies. And theyre cute. You know, theyre really cute."
Im sure many women in the audience would agree. More on the behind-the-scenes stories of this rare event in Mondays column.
Catch the video of your favorite players dressed to kill on The Basketball Show over IBC-13 at 4 p.m.