Cage heroes see hope for Olympic slot

MANILA, Philippines - “It can be done.”

Tony Genato and Napoleon Flores, members of the Philippine team that placed third in the 1954 World Championship who were enshrined in the Hall of Fame Wednesday night, said there is hope in Smart Gilas Pilipinas’ quest for an Olympic berth.

“I think so, I believe so,” said Genato, who was also the skipper of the RP team to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, when asked if the current national team could make it to the London Games.

But Genato and Flores said it would take skills, heart and a better ceiling for the Nationals to hold their own against the giants of the region like China.

“We’re going to have a hard time against China, we would need seven-footers,” Genato said.

But if they try hard I believe it’s possible,” said Flores, who was with his family for the historic rite.

“They (Smart Gilas) are basically like us in a way because we’re also small back then and we have few big men too,” he added.

Genato and Flores were enshrined to the Hall of Fame, organized by Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping, along with fellow members Caloy Loyzaga, Florentino Bautista, Ponciano Saldana, Lauro Mumar, Bayani Amador, Rafael Barredo, Ramon Manulat, Mariano Tolentino, Benjamin Francisco and Francisco Rabat with Herr Silva as coach.

The 1954 bronze medal feat in Rio de Janerio, Brazil still stands as the best finish by any Asian team on the world stage.

Loyzaga, who was also honored for playing for the RP team to the 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Olympics, was in Australia but her daughter actress Bing Loyzaga received the plaque on his behalf.

Genato stressed that the character of the game has reached a new level the past decades.

“With the new system now, I don’t think it works because there’s no skills involved. Its body against body, there’s no skills as far as I’m concerned so if you weigh 300 pounds, what will a 150-pounder do (pitted against you)?” he said.

Pursuing a professional career has also changed the way players look at playing for flag and country.

“You want me to be frank? It’s all about money. We were never paid during our time, we played for the love of the game. Period,” said Genato.

“Nowadays, it’s all about the money. That’s why Caloy (Loyzaga) and I used to say we were born on the wrong time,” he added.