Nostalgia fills air in Toyota Tamaraws reunion

MANILA, Philippines — Like they never left.

The Toyota Tamaraws, an iconic basketball franchise, yesterday took a trip down memory lane in a grand reunion celebrating their 50th anniversary with coach Dante Silverio leading the way at the Alfresco Covered Lounge in Makati City.

Toyota players, clad in shimmering retro outfits, turned back the hands of time and rechannelled their youthful energy with music and dances – like they’re back in 1973 when the team joined the MICAA, and then the PBA as one of its founding members.

“It’s been 50 years. Can you imagine it? It’s been 50 years and people are still talking about Toyota. Isn’t that something? I think that’s something,” said the animated Silverio.

“It’s a thrilling moment for us to be together again. We’re family. We will not be the Toyota today and the Toyota people knew yesterday if we’re not family,” added Silverio of the squad that won nine titles in the PBA.

Toyota, the other half of the country’s greatest basketball rivalry with Crispa, was the first champion of the PBA – Asia’s first pro league.

Ramon Fernandez and Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., in lieu of his father, better known as the “Big J,” graced the nostalgic affair organized by Gil Cortez, the first Rookie of the Year awardee in the PBA.

Uly Rodriguez, Arlene Rodriguez, Emer Legaspi, Ompong Segura, Oscar Rocha, Joseph Galonga, Ed Camus, Judge Concepcion, Pol Herrera and Ed Cordero were also present.

Those absent were fondly remembered and missed.

“We’re happy to be together again. Sana hindi na nga matapos ang gabi,” said Fernandez.