Arboleda at 'Inkblots' confab

Suspended Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda was the surprise guest in the mock press conference at the UST Varsitarian’s 11th annual “Inkblots” national journalism fellowship in the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex auditorium last Friday.

Exactly 251 campus writers from 31 schools all over the country attended the three-day seminar that featured lectures by Christian Esguerra on newswriting, Nestor Cuartero on features writing, Ernie Sarmiento on photo journalism, Sandra Aguinaldo on investigative journalism, Cesar Apolinario on broadcast journalism, Jess Abrera on cartooning, Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo on literary journalism, Ruel de Vera on art and culture writing, Lynette Villariba on layouting, John Nery on Catholic journalism, Conrado de Quiros on editorial and opinion writing, Roberto Anonuevo on Filipino writing and Felipe Salvosa on campus paper management.

UST rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa and Varsitarian adviser Lito Zulueta commended the campus organ’s editors and staff for “carrying on with this important activity that began 10 years ago.”

Among the schools represented in the conference were College of St. Benilde, UP Diliman, Siena College Taytay, Guagua National Colleges, Angeles University Foundation, University of Northern Philippines, Sacred Heart College of Lucena, University of St. Louis in Tuguegarao, De La Salle Lipa, Lucban Academy, La Consolacion College of Biñan, Cagayan College, Western Philippines University of Puerto Princesa, Far Eastern University, Philippine Normal University, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Memorial School, St. Patrick School of Quezon City, University of Cebu, University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City, The Quantum Academy in General Santos City, Bulacan State University, Adamson University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of Caloocan City.

It was my ninth straight year as “Inkblots” lecturer on sportswriting.

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An innovation I’ve introduced in my lectures is conducting a mock press conference where an invited guest is grilled by the campus journalists after which they write a story about it. The story may be in English or Pilipino and in whatever form – news, features, editorial, poetry. I then choose the best entries and award prizes to the winners. The number of winners depends on how many prizes I’m able to solicit.

Among my guests in previous mock press conferences were former UST students Cyrus Baguio, Siot Tanquingcen, Pido Jarencio, Alfrancis Chua, Gerard Francisco and Richard Yee and Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio and Jondan Salvador.

I wasn’t sure how Arboleda would react to my invitation as it came just a few days after the PBA announced his suspension without pay. I spoke with PBA chairman Lito Alvarez and commissioner Sonny Barrios about the invitation and they were at first apprehensive. But I assured them the atmosphere wouldn’t be hostile – as long as Arboleda behaved himself.

Arboleda came right on time – 7 p.m. about 30 minutes after I started my lecture. He was alone and drove his car into a parking slot outside the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex at the UST campus on Espana.

When I introduced Arboleda on stage, he was warmly applauded. For a lot of the students, it was their first time to see an actual PBA player, live and in the flesh. I’m sure some were star-struck.

But it wasn’t until Arboleda spoke and bared his soul in his first public appearance since his suspension that the students warmed up to him. In the end, he was mobbed for autographs and photographs. Arboleda had converted the campus writers into “The Snatcher” fans.

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Here are excerpts from the five winning entries:

First prize – Steven Cuapoco Tan, 15, The Quantum Academy, General Santos City.

“Wynne Arboleda may not be as famous as other basketball celebrities but his passion and dedication have always topped them all. He is paying the price for his wrongdoing but is prepared for the consequences. Despite people’s reaction to his act, Arboleda truly deserves some respect (for) protecting the dignity of athletes. He might be missing one season but this 32-year-old veteran is ready to embark on a new journey starting with his plan of joining the Red Cross and even pursuing a dancing career.”

Second prize – Zahra Bianca Saldua, 17, University of Perpetual Help System, Las Piñas City.

“Everyone knows him as ‘that basketball player who hit a fan.’ However, many fail to see what is under his jersey. We all use that excuse, ‘Tao lang ako – aren’t basketball players human, too?’ A concerned citizen said, ‘There is no excuse to act the way he did.’ Wynne Arboleda may be someone who is in the PBA’s top 10 all-time in most steals but he is also someone who lives among millions of Filipinos in our nation. He seems to have all the achievements a point guard could have.

But many continue to see him as that man who assaulted a fan. His son is currently hospitalized, his father died three months ago and his mother died of a stroke before that. Tragedies do not ignore the famous.”

Third prize – Adrian Lopez, 17, First Year, San Beda College Alabang.

“Matinik sa bola, malakas sa depensa – iyan ang mga katangian ni Wynne Arboleda sa paglalaro ng basketbol. Subalit ngayon, paano niya gagamitin ang mga katangiang ito at ang pagiging Defensive Player of the Year, ngayong nasangkot siya mismo sa isang di katanggap-tanggap na akto sa laro? Hard work at masuring paghahanda ang sikreto ni Arboleda kung bakit magaling siya sa pagdedepensa. Nawa’y magamit niya ang kanyang kahusayan upang makalampas sa ganitong dagok ng kanyang buhay.”

Fourth prize – James Ervin Tatel, 17, UST – AB Journalism.

“We all know that nobody is perfect. Every person has his flaws. ‘Hangga’t kaya kong ipagtanggol, ipagtatanggol ko.’ This was quoted from two-time PBA Defensive Player of the Year Wynne Arboleda as he answered with calmness the questions regarding the incident which opened the minds of the people that he just did his part as a person. With his statements and answers, Arboleda proved that as a husband, father and player, he also has his rights and dignity to defend.”

Fifth prize – Jonathan Kevin Castillo. Third Year Journalism, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros.

“Wynne Arboleda grew up in poverty with a father earning the income of a tricycle driver. Despite all the challenges in life, Wynne has managed to break through. As of now, while being away from the court, Wynne claims he will be helping the flood victims of Typhoon Ondoy.”