I’M tempted to say that “I’m back,” but that would elicit laughter from The Standard Sports Editor Riera Mallari (a not-so-private joke). But really, it feels good to write a column again after several years.
Several years ago, in my previous incarnation as a sportswriter for a tabloid, my once-a-week piece was called Second Stringer.
Again, I am tempted to use the old title, but I’m not very good on dwelling on the past, so I thought that Step Back is quite appropriate and timely as a column title.
Of course, an explanation is forthcoming. I chose Step Back, because, mainly, I’m a big fan of Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, who employs this nifty move before launching his deadliest weapon—a perfectly-arched three-point shot.
I’m such a big fan that I even thought of using Steph Back as this column’s title—but that would be unfair to all the “step backers” of the world, including our own local basketball superstars (Terrence Romeo, for one).
Anyway, stepping back is not only about basketball, since almost all athletes use this move plenty of times. Boxers step back to avoid a punch, tennis players do this to get a better angle, runners step back before the starting gun is fired, etc.
And ordinary humans like us need to step back once in a while, gather our thoughts and try to look at the bigger picture before we make crucial decisions.
So step back and relax. I’m not promising that this would be great column, but I promise not to bore you to death. * * * *
For all the criticisms thrown its way, the Philippine Sports Commission has managed to stay the course and has proved to be useful, at least as far as some of its programs is concerned.
I’m referring specifically to “Laro’t Saya sa Parke” also known as the “Sports For All” program which the agency, through Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, has launched last year. The program provides a venue for individuals, “barkadas” and families to learn a new sports for free while spending their leisure time at the park.
Some of the sports events taught by PSC instructors during the weekend-only activity include volleyball, football, chess and zumba, which is fast becoming a favorite among fitness buffs.
In Metro Manila, Laro’t Saya is held every Saturday at Quezon Memorial Circle and Sundays at the Rizal Park. Because of the success of the program in the metropolis, the PSC has expanded the program to Baguio City, Davao, Cavite and other major provinces in the country.
I sometimes drop by the QC Circle on Saturdays when I have time (the place is quite near to our home), so I can assure you that it’s worth your while to stretch a little muscle now and then and at the same time bond with your friends and loved ones at the park. And what’s more, participants of Laro’t Saya get a chance to win raffle prizes which are given away at the end of the activity.
No, they’re not giving away cash prizes, but there’s a lot of balls (basketball, soccer and volleyballs) to be won.
Finally, congratulations to GM Richard Bitoon for ruling the Battle of Grandmasters-National Chess Championships which ended last Saturday. A quiet guy, Richard is a likeable and humble guy, who would rather let his chess skills do the talking. My hats off too to WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda for clinching the women’s title, and to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales for another well-organized chess event.
And while we’re at it, I’m leaving you this one to ponder – Why do women love chess players? Because they know all the right moves.
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