On Team Sport

I was immersed in sports at a very young age. During summer, I used to play those kiddies running games aka monkey monkey, shake shake shampoo, etc. with my cousins from my mom's side and neighbors. During Sunday lunch with my dad's side, I was the saling pusa when my cousins played ball at the garden. At school, lunch was reserved for patintero or 10-20 and dismissal was for badminton, kickball, table tennis, shooting or whatever game we came up with. Come grade 6, I was asked to join the basketball varsity. Basketball has been a huge part of my life until I graduated high school. Come college I planned to concentrate on my studies but things did not turn out as planned. I was recruited during Fresh Start and played the whole 4 years. When I started to work, there was badminton Mondays. Yet I still felt sluggish. I felt that my concern was heard. One of my college teammates YM-ed me and asked if I was interested to join their competitive team. As if basketball was not enough and I entertained Ultimate.

In the numerous games, tournaments, leagues or whatever you call those, I only experienced one championship. But this hasn't stopped me from playing and giving my all in each instance. I guess I would not stop until my body cannot take it anymore.

Fact: In every team sport there will always be a winning team and a losing team. I always strive to be part of the winning team. How about you?

On Cases

Case A:
He was the favorite. The outstanding student, pure gentleman and perfect friend. But I had other concerns at that point in time. I guess that was really the Ultimate's will cause eventually he had to migrate. Now, he is busy helping and saving people as a career. On top of that, he is finishing his graduate studies. I guess work and school take most of his time that is why he is still single. Despite that, he still finds time to keep in touch and take care of his 300 like physique.

Case B:
He is the best friend of the boyfriend of my close friend. An artist and a writer. He is kinda small so I guess that explains his huge ego. Don't know his current state at present but we are civil.

Case C:
He was a gag that turned into a reality. A board passer (after the second try) and a Technology Support Engineer by profession. Currently in a relationship per FB. Guess he is still bitter and chooses to ignore me.

Case D:
He was the source of entertainment. The class clown, MJ performer and bisyo king but a softy deep under. It took him a sabbatical to put things in perspective and eventually graduate IE. He is a Business Development Manager and pursuing his masters in Applied Economics on the side. And guess what? My fellow tarsier is happily married.

Case E:
He is a certified player. Once part of the football national team. So fast so furious like a horse not only on the field but also with his relationships which is not ideal. Still a fitness buff as a personal trainer and an entrepreneur helping out in his family business. A father and soon to be husband.

Case ME:
E ako, asan na ako sa mundong ito?

On Monthsary

Dear Ultimate,

Today marks a month when I used both of my knees as feet. A month has passed and yet I am not yet 100%. It is killing me especially I am someone who uses sports as refuge from all the “kaguluhan” in this world.

Sports is the only thing that moves me. Despite panic Mondays, Wednesday midweek humps and Friday weekend modes I find the motivation to get up and go to the office because at the back of my mind there is Ultimate waiting for me. Thirsty Tuesday is a treat as well because of the sweat that comes with Basketball. During weekends instead of sleeping in and letting the day pass by I get up earlier than workdays at my own will.

I have learned my lesson. I should not overwork my body because I am not as young as I used to be. I should take care of my body --- eat well and sleep early. More importantly, I should choose my battles carefully and slow down from sports. I should show how much I appreciate my family and the simple things in life.

I know that I am a fairly patient person. But, when will the day come when I won't feel any pain? I think I am losing it. Please give me the strength to continue living with purpose and enthusiasm.

On Post Game

"The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most of what you had to give." - Howard Cosell

I feel miserable knowing that if I was 100% I would have performed better --- I would have scored 2 more goals, I would have prevented an in cut and eventually cause a TO, I would have rattled the handler, etc. But on the lighter side, I know deep down I did all that I can considering my physical condition. So in a way I am happy.

Bawi nalang sa Saturday!

On Conditionally Cleared

After two weeks, my ortho and rehab doctors conditionally cleared me with great hesitation. Obviously napilitan lang sila because I did not pass the duck walk challenge. Also they would not know if I play or not and as if they can stop me from playing. They just told me to expect that I will feel pain afterwards. If the pain is different I need to go back instantly.

I know that pushing myself would put myself in greater danger. But this is a risk I am willing to take. Risks need to be taken to discover how far I can go. It is better to take the risk because whatever the outcome maybe I can accept (eventually) rather than failing to try and thinking what could have been.

As they say... Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.

Fight!