March 2, 2010, 6:58pm
Source: Manila Bulletin
Athletes of the Year award recipients (L-R) Marestella Torres, Janice Lagman, Rani Ann Ortega, Camille Alarilla, and Rubilen Amit pose for the camera during Monday night's Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards dinner. (Photo by RICHARD VIÑAS)
As the top awardee was thousands of miles away doing his morning run, the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) staged its annual awards Monday night in the presence of a former President, several high-profile sports leaders who do not see eye-to-eye, national athletes and a youthful senator who reminded everyone in attendance the promise of fame and fortune and the essence of athletic competitions.
Senator Chiz Escudero, the guest of honor of the event held at packed Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel, was probably aware of the seemingly never-ending feud between the leaders of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as he reiterated a call for unity, something the youthful lawmaker said will be the key to more success in the international arena.
"You cannot buy the sacrifices our athletes have made for the country," said Escudero in his short speech in Pilipino that was warmly applauded by ex-President Fidel V. Ramos, PSC chairman Harry Angping and POC president Jose Cojuangco, who opted to join his colleagues in the POC instead of being in his place among the VIPs at the presidential table that glowed with the presence of taekwondo girls Rani Ann Ortega, Janice Lagman, and Camille Alarilla.
If only the country's sports leaders set aside their differences and refrain from grandstanding for the sake of the athletes, Escudero said Philippine sports would thrive, aware of the practice of some politicians who regale in having their faces on camera and seeing themselves in the papers.
Manny Pacquiao, voted Athlete of the Decade, the first-time the PSA has bestowed such an award, could not make it for obvious reasons, but he was represented by his younger brother Rogelio and longtime friend Ali Atienza, who got the award on behalf of the Filipino fighter regarded today as the best in the world pound-for-pound.
"Manny told me that he is very honored to be given this award," said Rogelio. "Manny has lots of trophies and plaques but this trophy will occupy a special place in my brother's trophy chest."
While the PSA was handing out awards, it was morning in Los Angeles where Pacquiao was getting himself ready for the March 13 bout against Joshua Clottey of Ghana.
Even if Pacquiao got the highest accolade, those who stole the limelight were standouts from athletics, amateur and professional boxing, billiards and the scintillating trio from taekwondo.
Long jump queen Marestela Torres was dressed in a blue-violet gown and high heels and had the crowd mesmerized with her figure.
Rubilyn Amit and her male counterparts Bata Reyes and Django Bustmante, perennial awardees, were also applauded.
World boxing champion Nonito Donaire, who was accompanied by his wife Rachel, took the cudgels for his fellow fighters who weren't around to receive theirs.
As in the past, guests and fellow athletes broke protocol by taking pictures with one another while media entities, especially from broadcast, had their reporters on some of the personalities, while the event was being played.
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