I’m not really a basketball fan before. I prefer to watch V-league (Volleyball) or MLB (Baseball) whenever I have free time, but my being a sports enthusiast turn into much higher level when I watched James playing for purefoods on his 2nd year. Actually I first saw him on The Buzz, that time he was being interviewed together with then girlfriend Ms. Kris Aquino, and now his wife. My attention was caught by his simple yet charming looks, his quiet and shy personality and of course his kindness and love for his family. I said to myself “Gwapo na mabait pa, astig ah!. Panuorin ko nga sa PBA”. So I did, I watched his team’s every game on tv and became a supporter not only of the team but of him also. From then on, I had this instant frenzy on watching basketball games. I’ll see to it that I had the team’s game schedule posted on the door of my room. Since we don’t have internet connection at home, after school I’ll get a quick drop by at my school’s cyber library just to get the schedule at PBA’s website.
I had a stroke when I was 17, but that doesn’t mean I forgot the team and James. I still remember that Purefoods’ had game that night. They’re fighting for semifinals. I was lying in the bed at a private hospital, that was Sunday night of June 25, 2005, conscious yet sleepy because of all the medicine I took. I asked my worried father to open the television because Purefoods’ had game and I had to see James playing. I don’t know what’s really happening that time, expect for the numbness on my left body, all that I want is to watch and enjoy the game though I am not feeling really well having a lot apparatus on different parts of my body. I didn’t finish the game because I had to rest; the doctor said that my condition was serious that I had to go to much better hospital in Manila. I was confined for 2 weeks in Philippine General Hospital. Because we don’t have enough money to get a private room, I had to stay in a ward. They had a tv their, kind of a relief because I can still watch basketball games but the sad thing is I can’t go and watch the game closely because I can’t walk. So my father became an instant side court reporter for me. He told about the team’s performance that they will play on the finals with Redbull. After all the pain, tears and hardship in the hospital we went home. My neurologist advised me to live normally even though I already have this disability. We got home; get a physical therapist to help me recover more from the stroke. While having our therapy sessions the television is always on so that I can still watch the game. See how I get so addict? My life is at risk but I’m still thinking of watching their game on tv.
On that same year James got his first MVP on PBA, Kris was there cheering for him while I was at home finishing the final therapy session of that day. I’m so happy for James. I still remember that me and my sister was shouting like crazy because he is the MVP. I feel like his achievement was my achievement too. He’s an inspiration to me. From then on, I said to my therapist that he had to let me walk on my own because I have to watch Purefoods live that I want to see James on live action. So I did I great job on that goal. I walk on my own but of course not the same as before. My father promised me that we’re going to watch live games as soon as I get better. With James winning the MVP, Purefoods had this wonderful achievement also. They won over Redbull and got another All-Filipino title which made me happier and made me an official FAN.
I’m on my 3rd year coping with my disability. Doing what my neurologist had told me that I must live my life normally. Yes I did, being a fan is one of those. Since I can’t manage to go in different places alone to catch basketball games I just followed James on different websites instead. I joined some forums, and clubs which I gained these friends I have now. But there’s always a surprise in everything we do. It was March 7 of this year, when I got a wonderful present from my father. He bought a ticket for all of us. We watched Purefoods’ game. WOW. That was the happiest birthday ever, because we got to see James and his teammates and we also got his autograph. I’m just a bit disappointed because I didn’t have the chance to have picture with him but that’s okay, well, seeing them is what I really want in the first place. The picture was just second on my list.
I’m looking forward to have pictures with them since I got the first on my list. But for now I’m enjoying the privilege of being cw and pol’s forumer and yapsters’ temporary member. Having friends to whom you can share your thoughts and kiligs for James and his family. I will be his supporter till the end. Whatever team he end up retiring I’m still one of his biggest but quiet fan..hehehe..
