The All Star Experience

It was an overwhelming experience as I had the chance to get close and meet my favorite players in the PBA. The All Star weekend held in Digos City was really exciting and I felt heaven when I saw those players I admire in person.

I never really thought I would get close to them and even have our picture taken together. My mind is already set about watching them play live in Davao del Sur Coliseum Sunday night and admire them from afar. But when I had the chance to see them in there staying area here in Davao City, I grabbed the opportunity and waited alongside my friends in Marco Polo Hotel. It was very fun and exciting as we watch players come and go. We got the chance to get close to them, have our picture taken together and even talk to some. Well, I guess that’s really lucky of us fans to be given that chance.

The players I really wanted to see and meet in person were Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jason Castro, all from my dear team Talk N Text Tropang Texters. I didn’t get the chance to be near RDO and JC because I didn’t see them in the hotel. I saw LF in person and had a picture with him. He’s very handsome on TV but more up close. Maybe, if his career in basketball is over (hopefully not yet) he can be an actor or a model. His monicker “Babyface Assassin” really suits him well.

The best part of the experience came when I saw my idol Jimmy Alapag. He was so kind and accommodating and generous. The moment I saw him, I literally grabbed his arms and never let go until I had the chance to have our picture taken together. Then, all the other fans waiting surrounded him and I was shoved to one side of the area, watching him and smiling to myself. A moment later, I found JA alone in a chair waiting for their service to arrive. I hesitated at first but then seized the opportunity and talked to him. I told him that I’ve been a fan for so many years and I was so happy to finally meet him in person. He sat there, listening to me as I talked frantically because I was really nervous. Then, when I finished talking, Jimmy Alapag started to take one of his ballers off and gave it to me. I was so happy. I felt lucky. I wasn’t really expecting anything from him but I got a memento that I will surely treasure forever.

Jimmy Alapag's baller. :)

One of my biggest dreams came true when I saw Jimmy Alapag and the rest of the players. It may seem so small for other people but it’s big for me. I grew up watching them play since I was 11 and I’m turning 20 this year. Almost 9 years of watching, cheering, following and praying for them and I finally saw my dream in person.

Some pictures. :)

with Jeff Chan, Willie Miller, Pamboy Raymundo and Gabe Norwood

with Paul Lee, Ronald Tubid, Jervy Cruz, Beau Belga and Chris Ellis

with Calvin Abueva, JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio and Sonny Thoss

with Gilas' Sonny Thoss, Marc Pingris, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood and Captain Jimmy Alapag

One of the disadvantages of being a fan is emotional attachment. Whenever something bad happens to the person you admire, you feel down. In basketball, whenever your team loses, you suffer emotionally. But the good thing is, when your team wins, it gives you happiness that will put that smile in your face for a long time. 

J