MANILA, Philippines – By the time it had run its full course – approximately two and a half hours – current leaders of the Philippine Sportswriters Association were unaware they have mounted probably one of the best awards nights in 20 years at the One Esplanade.
It was a complete package. Never mind if it started one hour late due to the horrendous traffic being on the eve of Valentine’s Day, and ended toward midnight, it’s still a near perfect awards night. It’s not so much the sportswriting fraternity, the oldest media body locally, honoring the Philippine sports top achievers in 2015, led by boxers Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes and golfer Miguel Tabuena but being able to put into perspective the depth and significance of these feats.
“We’re just doing our job,” said PSA president Reira Mallari of the Manila Standard.
The presence of the three awardees who shared the “Athlete of the Year” honor more than made up for the no-show of the other achievers.
The three have shared a common theme in their acceptance speech – thanking their loved ones for the unwavering support and vowing to further strive hard to be worthy of the award that had made them the toast of the night.
And guest speaker Fred Uytengsu made an inspiring message, recalling peaks and valleys in his sporting journey, touching on triumphs and travails as a sports exec and team owner, from the Aces winning PBA titles, including a grand slam, to “being grand slammed” in the recent championship playoff.
A man of vision, he made a bold move that provided the boost to an emerging lifestyle through the staging of triathlon and the world-famous Ironman.
Even the tributes were memorable.
The late cage great Caloy Loyzaga was bestowed the Olympism award by the Philippine Olympic Committee, with his widow Vicky and children led by Chito Loyzaga gracing the occasion and coach Ron Jacobs was given a posthumous citation with five of his players – Jong Uichico, Siot Tanquingcen, Pido Jarencio, Olsen Racela and Allan Caidic – recalling life lessons from the man best known for “revolutionizing” Philippine basketball and a cluster of international conquests.
And then there was Filomeno “Boy” Codiñera Jr. given the lifetime achievement award.
The baseball legend, who came with his family led by Jerry Codiñera, was only a shell of the dominant ball player who made the Guinness Book of Records for hitting five consecutive doubles in a single tournament in his prime, enduring the ravages of three strokes.
But he came and basked in the glow of the magnificent past his mercurial talent helped build and for which he was recognized as one of the greatest of all time.
Sporting heroes would emerge on the horizon, make an impact and eventually fade away.
And once a year the members of the PSA would gather and celebrate with them – the best, the brightest – for the shining moments we share and grateful for. This one is like no other.