A Chunkee Champion Heart

The Gran Matador All Philippine Cup has just concluded last July 21, 2006 with the Purefoods Chunkee Giants emerging as the national champion.

With the leadership of Ryan Gregorio from the bench and of Kerby Raymundo, James Yap and Marc Pingris on the battlefield, the Purefoods’ franchise has captured its 7th title and 4th in an AFC format tourney. Making them share top honors with San Miguel Beermen, and Crispa Redmanizers for most number of AFC championship.

The feat is alot sweeter for veteran superstar Jun Limpot, who, after 13 years and 500+ games played has finally won a ring. For Jun, it was an answered prayer.

But in capturing the PBA’s most prestigious tournament, the Giants had to overcome a steep and challenging path.

First, they had to overcome the loss of key players to injuries. Second, they had to overcome a huge 1-3 series deficit against Alaska in the semis. And lastly, they had to overcome the tough Red Bull Barako team in the finals. But, as they say, the Giants proved nothing is impossible.

On my part, honestly, I’ve only been able to witness 3 championship celebrations, which featured then known as the “hotdogs.” But I must admit, the last one held in Araneta is pretty much the most dramatic of them all. Well, why not? From start to finish, the series have been espoused by several subplots: the MVP race, Eugene Tejada, the Red Bull-Purefoods rematch, Yeng Guiao’s quotable quotes, etc.

But it was all worth it for the Giants. And Gregorio couldn’t have put it any better. James, Kerby and company did not only win the championship, but they showed the power and the triumph of the human spirit.

The message was deeply inspiring.

Essentially the Giant Attitude is: "if they tell you you’re small, you tell them you’re quick. If they tell you can’t do it, show them you can. If they tell you it’s impossible, you tell them you’d work hard for it. If they claim you are a jinx, prove them wrong but never lose your patience."

And they did just that. With flying colors. Look where they are now? Somewhere, vacationing with their respective families and should be back to practice after 5 weeks. Perhaps, any moment now, they should be getting their bonuses or should be packing their bags for an out-of-the-country trip. That’s the prize of success!

Being a supporter, I’ve nothing more to ask for. I’m delighted not only because they capped a wonderful season with a championship but also because all throughout this past year, the team displayed their courage and their big heart. As a result, they made a believer out of me and of everyone who watched them, PF and non-PF fans alike.

In the next conference, the Giants will face a tough task of defending their crown against the shored-up roster of TNT, BGK and Alaska. The Giants might continue to lack a legitimate big man but if they can sustain their energy, focus and dedication, they’ll have a huge crack at duplicating their feat and in the process rewrite history.

Nothing is impossible.

When asked how would an undersized bigman with a long wingspan can compete with taller, pure centers a poster once said: you don’t use your head when you play. That’s quite literally. And I agree.

So does with my basketball maxim: The hand registers points, but the game is won by heart.

This time, make that a Chunkee champion heart.

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