MANILA, Philippines - Even in his final hours, Bren Perez had nothing else in mind but the welfare of his team.
Red Warriors coach Lawrence Chongson, still shocked by the sudden death of their team official, said Perez had made sure Friday evening the team had a bus to use for yesterday’s UAAP opener.
“It was around 7:30 p.m. when he texted one of our team officials to say that he had readied the bus for the team. Inasikaso pa niya ‘yun,” said Chongson, serving his first year as the Warriors’ head coach.
A few hours later, the next text messages passed around within the UE community, and among UAAP officials, was that Perez, who turned 51 only last Thursday, had died of a heart attack.
“In the afternoon we were even texting about some tickets for the opening. We’re all shocked. When I got the text message saying he had died, I scrolled down waiting for the punch line,” said Chongson.
There was none.
“I thought it was a joke. Unfortunately it turned out to be true. We dedicate this season to him,” added Chongson.
Last Thursday, the Warriors held a pep rally at the school compound and Perez acted as emcee. Team manager Jess Tanchangco announced over the microphone that it was Perez’ birthday.
“So the band played the happy birthday song, and the students sang for him. He rose from his chair and kept saying, ‘Tama na (That’s enough).’ I knew he was happy that moment,” said Chongson.
Perez, based on sketchy reports, suffered a heart attack at around 10 p.m. and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
He never got to see the opening of the new UAAP season where the UE Warriors won over the La Salle Green Archers. – Abac Cordero