It?s funny how a phrase in one language can mean something positive and translated into another becomes quite the opposite. Take for instance, “believing in oneself.” Reading it that way would refer to a simple term on thinking positive. In Tagalog however, it would literally translate to “bilib sa sarili” which then becomes something attributed to someone who is pompous and self-absorbed.
While watching Ronnie “Calamba” Alcano elevate to full-celebrity status as the World Pool Champion last Sunday, I couldn?t help but see the similarity with a young, swash-buckling and self-confident Manny Pacquiao just a few years back.
Although both now mouth the same self-deprecating lines when asked of their chances in a coming match, talking to them without microphones and cameras elicit more honest and off-the-cuff responses. And both Pacquiao and Alcano, when put at ease, will exuberantly regale you with their reasons on why they feel they can conquer the world in their respective fields.
I recall Pacquiao, a few months before his fateful appointment at the world stage with the vaunted Marco Antonio Barrera, being warned and criticized for taking on too much too soon; as most boxing experts felt it was not yet time for the then 24-year-old Gen San sensation to mix it up with the big boys.
When I ran into him at the taping of a TV serial where he essayed the role of a boxer (how difficult was that?) and I-with Chino Trinidad ? as TV commentators covering his fight- I asked him if indeed he might be biting off more than he could chew. He minced no words in declaring he knew what he was doing and there was no way he could lose against Barrera. He said he had seen tapes of the Mexican legend?s fights, and he was perfect for him. “Kayangkaya ko yan!” Pacquiao would exclaim to his captive audience of actors and actresses, production and technical people during the long wait between takes. Buboy Fernandez was also there with the ubiquitous towel slung over his shoulder, nodding in agreement.
We all know that he kept his word on that one.
I first saw Ronnie Alcano in a tournament I covered for Vintage Sports maybe 6 or 7 years ago titled “Rising Stars of 9Ball” at the Metropolis Mall in Alabang. Alcano figured in the finals against well-known Edgar Acaba. Ronnie Calamba, as he was already known then (and with his chops still intact) played magnificently and seemed to have had a lock on the championship as he got a commanding lead. His inexperience however, got the better of him as he started celebrating prematurely and was prancing around the table with hands raised even before the match ended. Acaba taught him a valuable lesson that day by snatching the win from him. I can still see the astounded look on Alcano?s face as he tried to deal with his costly mistake. My partner then, Andy Jao, predicted however, that the brash young kid from Laguna would be heard from in the future.
Fast forward to the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. Between matches, I sat down for a long conversation with the now-toothless Alcano sans broadcast equipment. I was incredulous at his tale of purposely having all his teeth pulled out because of his adulation of Efren! But he swore it was true. I?m still dumbfounded, though.
Anyway, he had already won 2 gold medals in the SEA Games, and was talking about his vast improvement since that time at Metropolis. He told me without hesitation or hint of braggadocio, that he could take on anybody in the world and he wouldn?t be intimidated.
He also kept his word on that one last Sunday. In that, Pacquiao and Alcano are kindred spirits. They are skilled, talented and dedicated practitioners of their chosen sport and most of all; they believe in themselves-in a good way.
There have been reports that Manny, an avid pool player himself, had keenly followed Alcano?s WPC exploits and even took the time to call Ronnie for moral support during the tournament.
Why am I not surprised?
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Congratulations are in order for the organizers of the World Pool Championship which was held for the first time in our home turf. I know for a fact that Yen Makabenta, chairman of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) and Raya Sports, worked tirelessly to convince the right people to bring the WPC here.
It was not easy and definitely not cheap. Estimates go as high as P60 million in all including the prizes (P20M) and other expenses. Raising that kind of moola these days is no mean feat. That BSCP (take a bow too, Pres Ernie Fajardo) and Raya Sports were able to pull it off despite the reservations of many, says a lot about these guys.
One cannot possibly quantify the amount of goodwill generated by the event, as participants almost unanimously agreed that this was one of the best organized tournaments ever, with an impeccable venue and a well-behaved and knowledgeable audience.
Take a bow then, Filipino!
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I was pleasantly surprised to see ex-PBA Commissioner Jun Bernardino at the WPC last Friday, and he treated me to a snack in belated celebration of his birthday the day before. My ninong, ace television director Al Quinn also had one Nov. 11 and basketball personality and good friend Norman Black turns another year older tomorrow, Nov.15.
Lots of good guys in November!
