It?s the happiest day of the year. Whether you?re young or not-so-young, Christmas Day is special. It?s the day you look forward to all year round. It?s the day for families to get together, to share love and happiness. It?s the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to thank the Lord for the gift of life. It?s the day when peace and goodwill reign all over the world. It?s the day we wish could be every day in this world.
As there are 12 months in a year, we thought of making a list of 12 wishes for Santa Claus to work his magic. With God?s grace, prayers and a little luck, here?s hoping the wishes come true.
? Samboy Lim to regain consciousness. The PBA legend suffered a cardiac arrest last month and remains in a coma even as he has been discharged from the Intensive Care Unit of The Medical City. Home care is being planned for Samboy. While his organs are stable and functioning, he is still in a deep sleep. A trache has been attached to his throat to expel mucous but he breathes on his own.
? The Philippines to bag the gold medal at the FIBA Asia Championships and earn a ticket to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. With new coach Tab Baldwin at the helm, Gilas hopes to regain the Asian title the country last held in 1986 and as a reward, return to the Olympics after a 44-year absence. The FIBA Asia Championships will be held in Changsha, China, on Sept. 23-Oct. 3.
? Manny Pacquiao to fight Floyd Mayweather once and for all. It?s the boxing event of the century and the bout that could save the sport from the market encroachment of mixed martial arts. The fans deserve this duel. They?re the best welterweights and pound-for-pound fighters today. There is talk of a May 5 showdown in Las Vegas and even a rematch in September. One fight will do for the meantime. The whole world is waiting for Manny to shut Mayweather up for good and blotch his unblemished record.
? More Filipinos to become world boxing champions. Manny is the WBO welterweight king. Donnie Nietes is the WBO lightflyweight titlist, Bruno Escalante the IBA superflyweight ruler and Rey Loreto the IBO lightflyweight champion. There is no Filipino champion recognized by the WBC, WBA or IBF. Brian Viloria, Johnriel Casimero, Sonny Boy Jaro and Nonito Donaire, Jr. are all former world champions in the hunt to reclaim another title. Milan Melindo, Denver Cuello, Albert Pagara, Arthur Villanueva and Randy Petalcorin are prospects waiting in line for a title shot. Dean’s Corner ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
* * *
? The Philippines to break back into the top four of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. At the 2013 edition, the Philippines plummeted to seventh in the gold medal standings, an all-time low, and has been overtaken by Myanmar and Vietnam. In 2005, the Philippines topped the ladder as the host nation and now, it?s biting dust. PSC chairman Richie Garcia said a fourth place finish at the SEA Games on June 5-16 in Singapore is ?acceptable? but it will take a focused, gallant and concerted effort to get the job done.
? POC to whip NSAs into shape. No more pussy-footing and hand-slapping. This time, the POC means business. With the Commission on Audit cracking down on the PSC to disburse funds only to legitimate and eligible NSAs, the POC is determined to clean house. POC president Jose Cojuangco, Jr.?s marching orders to his lieutenants are to put every NSA in order with duly-approved Constitution, By-Laws, elections and programs of action. POC first vice president Joey Romasanta is bearing down on problematic NSAs in volleyball and swimming in his first salvo.
? The Azkals to continue their progress with coach Tom Dooley. The team will compete in the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championships in March with the goal of ultimately qualifying for the 2016 Olympics. A tough grind is ahead as the Philippines is in the same elimination bracket as Thailand, North Korea and Cambodia. The Azkals will also begin their quest for a World Cup ticket in the first round of qualifying matches in June.
? The Philippines to win the bid for the right to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Six countries are in the short list of bidders with the Philippines joining Germany, France, China, Qatar and Turkey. A five-man FIBA technical team is expected in Manila in January for site inspections. The minimum bid is 8 Million Euros. The FIBA Central Board will meet in June in Switzerland to decide the winning country.
* * *
? Philippine volleyball to spike to unprecedented heights. With the increasing popularity of the women?s game, the timing is ripe for Philippine volleyball to break out and become a power in Southeast Asia. Manila is hosting the Asian U23 women?s championships in May and it?s a perfect opportunity to get ready for the SEA Games. But while the attention on the women?s game is gaining ground, the interest in the men?s game is waning. Perhaps, the POC might want to look into reviving the men?s game, too.
? The Philippine government to make sports a priority in the national agenda. A new president will be installed in 2016 and if there is no move to prioritize sports next year, maybe it will finally get a shot in the arm in the succeeding administration. Sports deserves a cabinet position and a Secretary of Sports will ensure a proper budget and direction to get things moving on the right track. Through a Department of Sports, Filipinos could be made aware of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Sports is wholesome entertainment, a vehicle for spectators to enjoy competition and for fans to pay homage to their heroes. But beyond watching, fans should also get involved in some kind of physical activity. Raising the level of health consciousness is a key to nurturing a society that is mentally and physically stable.
? The PBA to achieve record attendance and revenues this season and the next. Starting the season with a crowd of 52,612 at the Philippine Arena was an incredible kick-off. An innovative format for the Governors Cup to feature Asian imports is a tasty recipe for success. The handicap system for the Commissioner?s and Governors Cup, related to imports, should balance out the competition and provide for more exciting games.
? New heroes to emerge in sports like boxing, bowling, billiards, taekwondo, wushu, archery, cycling and shooting where the Philippines has an even chance to excel internationally. The country awaits the coming of new Manny Pacquiaos, Paeng Nepomucenos and Bata Reyeses.
Let?s hope Santa Claus is generous this Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to everyone!
