CHRISTMAS WISHES
Published on September 28, 2010
Despite the rigorous training schedule they must endure in the middle of the elimination phase of the KFC Philippine Cup, PBA players are gearing up and are excited about Christmas. Let’s get to know what they want under their trees and how they’ll be spending the holidays:
Coca-Cola rookie Chris Ross will be playing his first PBA Christmas Day game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings and obviously he’s got winning against one of the hottest teams in the league right now on top of his wish list. His older brother William will be in town so he’ll make full use of his break taking him out and hitting the beach. Coke’s first game in 2010 isn’t till the 13th of January.
Talk 'N Text forward Nic Belasco will also have a special someone flying in for the holidays. His dad Nic Sr., will be arriving in time to see his son play in the PBA live for the very first time. The last time his dad was here was when Nic got drafted 2nd overall in 1997. He just wants to be able to dedicate a win for his dad.
Sta. Lucia Fil-Am rookie Josh Urbiztondo will spend quality time with his relatives who frequent the games. But he’s also looking forward to doing a white elephant or exchange gifts with his group of buddies, mainly fellow basketball players too.
Well, Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood is in that circle of friends. I doubt he’ll get a BlackBerry as a gift from a friend but he’ll be sure to get it for himself. He still recalls how bad it was to lose on Christmas Day last year but he’s shaking off the ghost ofChristmas past by heading over to Boracay.
More free time for himself is on Smart-Gilas guard Chris Tiu’s list. He’s been so preoccupied with so many responsibilities and commitments that he’s aching for some down time. He is looking forward to the Tiu family Christmas Eve dinner and perhaps playing a couple of rounds of golf. Chris is a single-digit handicapper though he hasn’t played in a while. That should be a fun family treat considering his brother’s a great golfer as well.
James Yap, Kris Aquino, Josh, and baby James are headed to Bangkok after Purefoods’ Christmas Day game. They’ll be back to spend New Year’s eve here but James just wishes they’ll have a safe and ultra fun vacation. Winning their game against Burger King would be a great way to bolster the holiday spirit.
Burger King’s Gary David knows all about getting into the spirit of the season. He’ll be humming Christmas carols as he slaves in the kitchen especially when he prepares their Noche Buena family feast. He loves to cook and is notorious for whipping up mouth-watering caldereta, nilagang baka and all sorts of Filipino favorites. He wants nothing more than just happiness for his three girls – his lovely wife and two adorable daughters.
Barako Bull’s Alex Crisano on the other hand is trying to fly to Chicago to be with his girlfriend JB and their handsome (and I heard real smart) 5 year old son Vinny. But if practice schedule will not permit, he’s sending their presents early and Skype on Christmas morning in Chicago so that they can all unravel their gifts together. He does wish for everyone to lead happy lives and for him to have a long career.
While it’ll be quite and simple at Alex’s, the Tubids will be throwing a party for special fans and household staff. Ronald and Marizon have been throwing a Christmas party complete with raffle prizes for some time now and they’re not about to break the tradition. In true Barangay spirit, they want to share their blessings with those around them and pray that everyone stays in the pink of health.
Alaska’s Joe Devance is in the middle of renovating their home and hopes that all will be settled real soon. A bigger refrigerator is on the list of new things to purchase. Joe and Monica are preparing for Isabella’s arrival in three months time and are ecstatic about their first born. They’ll use their holiday break to fly somewhere while Monica still can.
San Miguel Beer veteran Olsen Racela is also going to do some home improvements. He’s building a basketball court in their backyard for the kids. But for himself, Olsen wants an all-Filipino crown. It will not be coming from underneath a tree, wrapped in colorful paper and bows. It’ll be a long, grilling battle to finish on top. But the 17-year veteran feels that this could very well be his last stab at an all-Filipino championship, something the Beermen have not had since 2001.
Merry Christmas everybody! May you find all that you wish for under your tree, and in your hearts. It is not a time or season but a state of mind. May you be in Christmas mode all year long.
For reactions or Christmas shoutouts:
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