‘El Presidente’ knocks on hearts of Samboy’s fans

CEBU, Philippines -  Filipino basketball great Ramon 'El Presidente'' Fernandez has knocked on the hearts of Samboy Lim's fans to pitch in any amount they could offer to help defray the medical expenses of the former PBA superstar, who is still confined in the ICU (intensive care unit) of the Medical City where he was rushed unconscious after collapsing a few minutes after coming out of a PBA Legends exhibition match last November 28 at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.

Fernandez, who played alongside Lim for six seasons under the San Miguel Beer uniform from 1998 to 1994, spearheaded this worthy cause after receiving a barrage of calls and queries through social media from Lim's fans here and abroad, particulary from the United States, Canada and the Middle East, asking him not only on the current status but also on the manner they could lend a helping hand to the revered 'Skywalker.'

"I've got a lot of calls from Samboy's fans abroad who are willing to extend financial assistance, which his family is really in need of due to his rising hospital bills. They asked me on how they could do it that is why I talked to Allan Caidic and broached the idea of setting up a trust fund for Samboy Lim under the account of his daughter Jamie," said Fernandez.

"With that, I'd like to take this opportunity to call on all good-hearted individuals as well as those who have been involved or associated with Samboy during his prime to give whatever help they possibly could. An iconic figure in Philippine basketball, Samboy deserves nothing but the best of our support," added Fernandez, one of the only two cagers to collect four MVP trophies in PBA history. The other is Alvin Patrimonio.

To those who are interested to help, they may deposit their donation to Banco de Oro Current Account 7018006040 Darlene Berberabe ITF Jamie Christine B. Lim. It's an ITF account or In Trust For Jamie since Jamie is still a minor.

To start the ball rolling, Fernandez has chipped in a certain amount for such endeavor, with fervent hopes that it will cascade into the hearts of generous individuals especially those whose lives were touched, in one way or another, by the well-loved PBA icon.

Fernandez and Lim formed part of the San Miguel Beer squad that accomplished an exclusive grandslam feat in 1989. They other prominent members of the team were  Hector Calma, Alvin Teng, Franz Pumaren, Yves Dignadice, and Ato Agustin.

One of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players, the 5-foot-11 shooting guard was the first ever recipient of the league's Sportsmanship Award in 1993. A four-time All-Star, he was a member of the national team that bagged silver medal in basketball during the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China. He also figured prominently for the Phl team that won the Jones Cup in 1985 and the FIBA Asia Championship in 1985-86.

Before turning pro, the former San Beda and Letran standout made his mark as an amateur star, steering the M. Lhuillier franchise in the now defunct PABL (Philippine Amateur  Basketball League) to various championship titles together with Jojo Lastimosa.

Known of his high-flying moves that endeared him to millions of hoop-loving Filipinos, Fernandez has nothing but words of praise for the 53-year-old Lim, who once served as team manager of the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

"He's one guy who will not get into trouble with anybody. He's a versatile player who always put premium on conditioning. He's even the most physically fit among us that is why I was very shocked upon learning about what happened to him," said Fernandez. "Just like many well-wishers out there, I am also praying for his speedy recovery. Prayers are what he really need more than any other at this point." (FREEMAN)