Former cagers reunite for Rudy

(First of two parts)

LOS ANGELES — After only four weeks of preparation, the Rudy Distrito Invitational Cup was held on May 8th, Mother’s Day, at the Veterans Sports Complex in Carson City, California. Dubbed as the "Reunion of ex-PBA, PABL and MICAA players," the event essentially brought together stars of Philippine basketball.

Rhino Salazar, along with his wife and three sons flew all the way from Juneau, Alaska to show their support for Distrito’s wife, Jocelyn and four kids who are trying to raise funds to pay for the former PBA star’s legal fees ($60,000).

Bernard Fabiosa who is currently vacationing in the States also showed up to play for the Cebu Team, although in the Philippines, he is based in Panglao Island in Bohol.

"Naaalala ko n’ung araw, magkakasama pa kami sa PBA. Ngayon, iniisip naming mabibilis pa kami. Puro isip na lang," he joked.

For the whole-day affair, Dondon Amplayo came down to Los Angeles from Sacramento where he now lives with his wife and 9-year old son, Zachary. His eldest son has joined the navy and is now in Iceland.

Macky de Joya is back in school at California State University in Dominguez Hills where he is taking up Medical Technology. He hopes to graduate in two-three years.

"Ang taba na ni Pongkee," said one fan, commenting on Alolor who moved to San Francisco ten years ago. He now resides and San Francisco and works for United Airlines.

"Seeing all the players get-together and reminisce on their glory days in Philippine basketball, I can only conclude one thing: there were definitely some gains and some loses," said Ed Tayag, a former PBA anchor. "Gains here, sa tiyan. And losses here, sa buhok."

Francis Arnaiz, one of Distrito’s closest friends and former teammates failed to make the event; but sent an email to the organizers who read it during the opening ceremony. Here are some parts of that touching letter from the former PBA cager-turned pastor.

I believe some of you have had to change plans it being Mothers day. But let me assure you, that you are in the right place at this very moment. I cannot remember when so many kababayans have gathered together under one roof for a cause such as this. This is certainly unique. So I would like to congratulate you for making this sacrifice.

The cause we celebrate here today, if I may use that word, is about making sure that justice be carried out in this matter. We are all aware that for that to happen, considerable resources have to be spent. That is, sadly, a reality. And all of you, by being here, have in your own small way made sure that Rudy gets the best representation possible in the courts of law.

But something more is happening here at this moment. Something that is cause for celebration. Something much larger than Rudy Distrito. Larger in fact than any of us. This is about laying to rest the perception that we Filipinos do not care for each other. That we only think of furthering ourselves at the expense of our fellow Filipinos. Today, I pray that perception is more than just laid to rest. Hopefully, it is buried. And all of you can stand proud that you have played a role in this. We cannot predict the outcome of Rudy’s case. But from this day on, let it not be said, that we did not try to give him a chance to prevail. Let it not be said that we did not care.

In the letter, Arnaiz also mentioned that his good friend, Sen. Robert Jaworski was also sending regrets that he could not make it to the games. He was represented by his son, Ron.

Jaworski, Distrito’s teammate and playing coach for years in Ginebra also called one of the organizers, Roland Abilo, during the game. He was put on the speakers to give a short message to fans who came to support the event.

A $5.00 donation was charged for entrance to watch four games. Rudy Distrito shirts were sold for $10.00 (lowered to $5.00 after the games). Raffle tickets were sold for $2.00 a piece for a chance to win the grand prize, a portable DVD player donated by one of the sponsors.

At the end of the day, Sweet Distrito, The Destroyer’s daughter, revealed that they made a little over $5,000. But that was not yet counting the almost $5,000.00 worth of expenses they incurred preparing for the charity games.

"More or less, we just broke even," she said. "But I’m very thankful to everyone who came. I am encouraged by the knowledge that my dad was so well-loved; and still is."

The championship of the Rudy Distrito Cup was contested by team Manila and team Cebu. In the end, the more organized play of Manila, courtesy of playing coach Salazar prevailed, 60-45. Former PBA cager Boyet Francisco was named Most Valuable Player.

"Unang-una ito," he said, referring to the trophy. "My only one."

Francisco has been in the States for three years now. He currently works with his wife in one of the largest Filipino supermarkets in LA. The couple has two sons, Joshlee (9) and Joshua (6).

For the lunch break of the whole-day affair, the players and their families had a picnic at the Veterans Park grounds where the nostalgic mood prevailed. Some of them had last seen each other in the PBA and had not been in touch until today.

There were so many stories. Each one has a unique story to tell on how the PBA changed their lives and how they survived after having detached themselves from the "all-star" lifestyle. But they all had one thing in common: the genuine concern for Distrito and the willingness to help his family.

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More reunion stories next week.

To reach this writer, log on to www.jannelleso.net.