Sports Weekly Magazine
March 8-15, 1996
Manager's Choice, Orly Castelo
Robert Jaworski celebrates his 50th birthday today. And as the “Big J” observes his “golden birth anniversary,” this writer could not help but reminisce on the good old days when this writer had the privilege to also work and play with this guy – which is a good three decades ago.
Sonny, as he was then called by his friends, was noticed early on as a possible good basketball player by no less than Baby Dalupan himself. Jaworski was brought by one Amado Recio to Dalupan and the great coach was immediately impressed by – of all things – the size of shoes of Sonny. This was already “size 12” while Jaworski was still in his early teens. And so, this was how he got into the University of the East Red Warriors mentored by Dalupan.
When Sonny came to YCO and became a teammate of this writer, it proved to be very hard finding a size 12 shoes in Clark of Subic at that time. Imagine the difficulty we had to endure just to look for that rare size of a shoe.
Sonny did prove to be really something then as a player of YCO in the old Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA). As I have mentioned earlier also in this column, Sonny provoked a free-for-all in Sangley Point, Cavite when one of the American players we were playing with then in an exhibition match, did not like the barreling drives of Sonny. This was, probably, the beginning of more fame and controversies.
One of these controversies was that infamous incident in the MICAA where Sonny and Big Boy Reynoso allegedly boxed and kicked Jose Obias, the referee. Sonny and Reynoso were teammates on the Meralco Reddy Kilowatt team at that time and this resulted to the lifetime ban on the two famous cagers. Fortunately, however, due to the pressure of some groups, including the clamor from the fans of Jaworski, the lifetime ban was lifted.
Sonny has won almost every award there is in the country today. His achievements are all well-known, including records in the Philippine Basketball Association and so on. All these prove that Sonny has gone a long way – from the humble Pandacan boy of yesteryears to what he is today.
This writer will never forget the first car of Sonny – a second-hand blue Rambler – which he loved so much. This was of the 1962 or 1963 model which he drove to Elizalde International where he also worked as a Sales Supervisor. You bet Sonny won’t settle for a second-hand car anymore now, what with his money and major accomplishments.
During his birthday then, we would eat at a turo-turo at Pasong Tamo to celebrate his birthday, as well as this writer’s birthday as this also falls on March. Sonny would prod this writer that since we had the same month of birth, we should celebrate together at a turo-turo in Pasay o Makati for good. How we enjoyed those days then. I wonder though if Jaworski would still celebrate his natal day. For sure, this year’s celebration would be something – in consonance to the many achievements of this famous celebrity of Philippine basketball.
You have really to give Sonny what is due him. Needless to say, the reason why he has been playing basketball up to this day is that he is also the coach of the team, but he always gives his best in the hardcourt. But for the good of his team, this writer believes that it is about time for Sonny to hang his jersey and give his younger boys the chance to also prove their mettle on the court. This will pave the way for Sonny to just concentrate on his coaching job for good.
As a friend, Sonny indeed is something else. I still remember how he tried to help another budding player with YCO then in 1966. Joseph Wilson, now with the San Francisco Fire Department as a fireman, was able to play with us in YCO, thanks to Jaworski. Sonny proposed a package deal with the Elizalde management that he will play with YCO but with Wilson in tow. It worked. Well, Wilson did also prove his worth in the team, and Sonny was probably pleased no end with this development.
In coming up with his string of achievements, Sonny is known for his hard work and dedication as a player. He is a vegetarian, a yoga practitioner then and shuns fatty foods, softdrinks and no more hard drinks. This probably did wonders to this guy as he continues to stay trim and lean through all these years.
What has been noticed and still is noticed today is the penchant of Jaworski to play a hard, physical game in the hardcourt. As we have experienced at Sangley Point then, he has been the center of controversies in the hardcourt because of these rough plays. But Jaworski could be forgiven for this, for the sake of sportsmanship. After all, he just wants to win a game, just like anyone of us. But it would be more welcome if Sonny would now tone down his play to avoid harm in the hardcourt. He has to contain his emotions and maintain a cool head to keep things going.
At the rate his team is going in the current PBA conference, Jaworski could still salvage some decent finish. But he has to really exert ore efforts to develop the talents and skills of his team through teammanship. His tall players, with the addition of Marlou Aquino, could prove awesome. This writer expects miracles to happen in that squad.
Speaking of birthdays, this writer will be 56 observing a reunion with his teammates at the San Miguel Beer team then in the MICAA on Friday, March 22. This is in celebration of the birthday of this writer and he is calling all his former teammates then at San Miguel Beer to come to the RGC Building, Mt. Apo Street, Mandaluyong City. This will be a reunion of all the players and staff of this former San Miguel team, 1970 National Open champion.
This writer is inviting, through this column, the following San Miguel Beer players he played with then: Manny Paner, Estoy Estrada, Yoyong Martirez, Dave Regullano, Ernie Morales, Willie Velasco, Molet Pineda, Rolly Marcelo, Nonong Belmonte, Worly Cuevas, Sito Tolentino, Dave REdaja, Alejandrito Miego and, of course, the “Franchise,” Ramon Fernandez.
The former staff of the San Miguel team then are also invited, including Ronnie, Tisoy, Paquito Rivera, Percie Baron, and others.
The San Miguel team then was coached by no less than Ning Ramos, a former national team coach. And so, all the players and staff of the former SMB team in the MICAA are invited to attend the celebration which will be held in this writer’s building in Mandaluyong City.
Still on the Jaworski stuff, “Pare ko, habaan mo ang pants mo at iklian mo ang medyas mo – “Happy Birthday, Sonny!”
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That was a neat job for Luisito Espinosa in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Filipinos are really very proud of his feat. The defense of his WBC crown done in the hometown of his opponent was really scary for Louie. A lot of people have given him up for lost for acceding to defend his title in the city where the partisan crowd and most likely also, biased officials would be something to topple him down. But Luisito did hold his head high and we Filipinos can only shout to him – MABUHAY!
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Ato Badolato again achieved another feat in his coaching career by piloting the San Beda Red Cubs to the National Inter-Secondary Basketball Championships in Cebu City. Congratulations Ato and the Red Cubs for another feather in the cap.