A blessing from God for doc Bimbo Tequillo

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano sportsman Dr. Bimbo Tequillo relishes another unforgettable experience watching the NBA Finals before his very eyes.

It was his only second trip to the United States for such purpose.

Way back in 2015, Tequillo also travelled far just to witness the championship showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Clevelend Cavaliers wherein his idols LeBron James and Stephen Curry played against each other for the league’s ultimate glory.

In the recently concluded NBA Finals, Tequillo grabbed the once in a lifetime opportunity of seeing in person the title clash between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks being a big fan of both Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic.

This time, doc Bimbo tagged along with him his eight-year-old son Stefano, who even received a Mavs Academy Certificate of Achievement duly signed by coach Jason Kidd for taking part in the 2024 Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp while they were in the Lone Star State.

“Ang nakalahi karon compared to my first NBA Finals kay first, kuyog akong anak and second, fan ko both ni Luka ug Tatum. So I was just a spectator, not rooting for either,” said Tequillo, a hardcore NBA fan and well known Kobe Bryant card collector.

During Game 5 of the best-of-seven series in Boston, Tequillo got a chance to rub elbows with Brian Scalabrine, Eddie House, and Kendrick Perkins, who are all members of the Celtics team that emerged as NBA champions in 2008.

Most importantly, Tequillo became an eyewitness to history when the Celtics dominated the Mavs, 106-88, to clinch a record-breaking 18th NBA crown on Monday, (Tuesday, June 18 Phl time).

“This esoteric experience though is very special kay naka-witness gyud ko og close out game sa NBA finals series and record pa gyud nga 18 championships,” added Tequillo, who is one of the pillars of Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA).

While enjoying the game at the best seat he was able to book at the TD Garden, Tequillo got an extra bonus taking a selfie with head coach Joe Mazzulla as the Celtics celebrated their historic moment.

“Grabi akong kalipay nga naka-posing ko with coach Joe. Grabe kaayo iyang wisdom and humility. Nakita sad ko nga taas kaayo ang respect sa iyang nga players niya,” said Tequillo in praise of Mazzulla, who at age 35 became the youngest coach since Bill Russell in 1969 to lead a team to a championship.

For Tequillo, being part of NBA history that became more meaningful with his son in tow is truly a gift from the heavens above, something that he will treasure for the rest of his life.

“Grabe kaayo ko kalingaw. Pasalamat lang gyud ko sa Ginoo nga naka-experience ko ani. I consider this a very huge blessing especially nga nadala nako si Stefano,” Tequillo ended.