Insta-Fan (Meeting the San Beda Red Lions for the first time)

I was never a fan of this team until I met them last January of this year. Until now, I have not really figured it out why I disliked this team so much. If I have to hate a team in the NCAA, it’s this team. Well, maybe, because, it’s the only team I knew back then (before I became a supporter of the NCAA).

The San Beda Red Lions in their huddle

For the past two years, I've been watching live exhibition games of Manila-based teams here in Cebu. When Camille told me that the Mendiola-based squad was going to play for the Sinulog Cup 2012, I got a bit excited, but there’s this feeling of negativity ( I don’t know how to name that feeling,  all I knew was it was negative). But in the end, my excitement prevailed.

GAME DAY

DAY 1

I promised to myself to keep composed and calm, but that was not that case when the players arrived at the venue. They were very nice to everyone, saying “HI’s” and “Hello’s” when they were called by people. The person that got me off my feet was former blue eagle Art dela Cruz Jr. I was not expecting him to be with the team because I thought he was still serving his one-year residency. I was really surprised, but I was praying that he could come with the team in Cebu. The calm and composed me was nowhere to be found at that moment. I was trembling until the end of the first half and still surprised. He’s one of those few players whom I believe would make into the big league.

The game ended with a San Beda win and of course our tradition every after game – picture taking with the players.

I also got to talk to Melo Lim about slip-on slippers. I got curious why most basketball players wear those kinds of shoes, so Faith and I decided to write an article about it and Melo was one of our sources. It was a very quick chit chat with him that ended with Melo saying “Bukas ulit ha! Balik kayo.” (That was just pure kindness and humility from him)

From that time on, I became an Instant fan of the San Beda Red Lions. It was not their game that I admired the most; it was their kindness towards people.

   

Art’s smile – PRICELESS. Not to mention his replies on Facebook. Such a humble man.

Last Day

Camille and I support the red team but we are wearing blue!

One memorable moment happened and for sure I won’t forget this for the rest of my life. We were seated on the same seats we got on day one. During the 3^rd quarter of the first game, the Red Lions passed by in front of our seats, I was just looking at them when surprisingly, Art dela Cruz waved and said Hi to me. For a split second, I was glued of his gesture, but gathered myself immediately and returned the favor to Art saying “Hi, Art!” That gesture melted my heart knowing that he did not know me personally.  Imagine if all basketball players will be like Art dela Cruz. 

Post-game festivities are still the best.

Might be a tough coach inside the court but very nice and soft-spoken inside, just like his son. May pinagmanahan. 

Fan girl to the highest level moment: Art was sitting on the bench after the game when I asked him for his autograph. Maybe because of adrenaline, I suddenly uttered these words with feelings plus facial expression: “Art, pahawak naman ng kamay oh!” He replied with a laugh “sure”. That was the first and might be the last time I’m going to do that. I felt embarrassed of what I did.