Sta. Lucia Fans Day!

Former Sta. Lucia Realtor turned TV sports caster Richard del Rosario joins us in this picture

When I heard from Sta. Lucia Realtors Head Coach Boyet Fernandez in a TV interview that there will be a Fans’ Day on March 7 at the Sta. Lucia Grand East Mall in Marikina City, I told myself I wouldn’t pass on this rare opportunity to finally meet the members of MY PBA team.

So I filed a leave at the office and went to the fans day venue last Friday in the afternoon with Odette my wife and Joshua, my third son. The driver of the cab we got took a wrong turn somewhere in Marikina, finding ourselves in the mountain city of nearby Antipolo. Eventually, we got to the mall before the scheduled program despite the unexpected detour.

In fact there was still a little down time before the program started. We got to the line early giving us the opportunity to come inside the area with limited seats for the general public. While waiting, it also gave us a chance to pose for a picture with former Realtor turned TV host Richard del Rosario. Later during the program, Richard made a lot of people laugh with his remark that this All – Filipino victory meant that the team was already able to adjust without his presence. Levity aside, I believed Del Rosario was a vital member of the SLR team that won the Governor’s Cup in 2001. He was particularly known for his off the bench defense, called upon to effectively replace the Realtors’ frontline first stringers when needed.

The atmosphere came alive with the arrival of the Sta. Lucia team. Unfortunately absent were Kenny Williams – Conference MVP and Rookie of the Year Ryan Reyes. Both I understand where in the United States at the time.

With Assistant Coach Adonis Tierra

Idol SLR Center Marlou Aquino holds my jersey with his no. – lucky 13!

With SLR Head Coach Boyet Fernandez

With SLR Manager Buddy Encarnando

Sta. Lucia Realtors amidst fans at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall

Joshua joins me and Coach Boyet in this picture

6’ 9 Marlou Aquino besides 5’ 11 Ferddie

The program begins!

Players play “Trip to Jerusalem” with fans

I realized that like many other teams’ fan base, SLR fans are a curious lot. They include gray haired matrons who flock to the Araneta rain or shine, to support their favorite team through thick or thin, male blue collar workers who debate whose going to win the NBA Finals (solid – Boston Celtics all the way!), a high school student with accompanying nanny from Project 8, a pesky person who shouts (Dipen! Yes you read it right, not defense – dipen!), and a whole lot more! Every one a true blooded fan! Everyone of them….everyone of us – Realtors!

“Newspaper Dance” came next

The Realtors prepare to show off their dancing prowess to fans

…by the Papaya dance!

Some strut out their individual dancing skills

Forward Nelbert Omolon sings with Pops Fernandez

Marlou accompanies Pops during a song and dance number

Each Realtor talks and thanks the fans for their support through thick and thin

We are the champions! The Realtors flash the victory sign

With 3 - point shooter and namesake Paolo Mendoza

With All Filipino Finals MVP – Dennis Espino

“The Ninja” – Fellow La Sallite Joseph Yeo

The pride of Mindanao and “barometer” of the Realtors - Nelbert Omolon

Seeing many players from my favorite team fresh from a long and fiercely fought campaign during the All-Filipino Conference really made my day today! My only regret during the whole experience was not getting one of their “Believe” Champions shirt many of which were given out during the parlor games. Maybe next championship…

I believe in the Sta. Lucia Realtors so I know there will be a lot more to come.

Like many fans Joshua and I believed – and it came!

P.S. A tribute to the Realtors was aired last night on Channel 5. An edited version of me being interviewed during the fans’ day beside Odette and Joshua was shown during the closing credits.