Big J, El Presidente to relive glory days
Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez will get the chance to relive their glorious years and renew their rivalries with fellow PBA greats when they strut their wares in a series of fund-raising games slated in the United States this March.
Dubbed as "PBA Legends in US," the grand reunion of once the country’s cage stars is organized by PBA Legends USA Foundation, a non-profit organization spearheaded by Abe King and Rufino Ignacio.
The group aims to raise funds to support medical and dental missions and scholarship programs.
"This is just the start of our own way of giving back to what the country has done for us," Francis Arnaiz, who played for the fabled Toyota team in the PBA, said in yesterday’s weekly SCOOP at sa Kamayan Forum on Padre Faura branch.
"All proceeds raised from these games are earmarked for certain projects that would help less fortunate people and ex-PBA players who are in need," said Arnaiz, part of the Philippine team that last won the Asian Basketball Championship title in 1973.
"We hope all Filipinos living in the US will support our project," Arnaiz added.
The reunion of 70’s and 80s stars that will also be supported by Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, Bernie Fabiosa, Manny Victorino, and Yoyoy Villamin will be highlighted by several side events like 3-on-3 and 1-on-1 matches.
Also flying with the group are the stars of the 90s like Jojo Lastimosa, Alvin Patrimonio, Gerry Esplana, Allan Caidic, Dindo Pumaren, Jerry Codiñera, Samboy Lim, Vergel Menses and Ronnie Magsanoc.
They will play exhibition games on March 8 in San Francisco before going to Sacramento for another game. On the 16th, they will play in Los Angeles and finally in California on the 17th.
According to Arnaiz, the foundation will shoulder the travel expenses of the players coming in from the Philippines.
Arnaiz, a California state employee working for the Commission on Teacher Accreditation, said the gathering is extra special since it will start on the birthday of his longtime buddy -- Jaworski.
"The reunion is quite special since it would fall on the former senator Jaworski’s 62nd birthday," said Arnaiz, who teamed up with Jaworski in Toyota in the 70s.
The last time the PBA legends played together was during the PBA’s 30th anniversary celebration where Jaworski and Baby Dalupan served as coaches of two opposing teams.
Meanwhile, Arnaiz disclosed he is open for a coaching job in the PBA.
"As I’ve said, I’m back. Bumalik ako sa bansa kasi this is really my home. I want to repay what it has done for me. And coaching in the PBA will be an option," he said.
Arnaiz entertain thoughts of coaching a team alongside Jaworski.
Their backcourt tandem, which started in 1972 when they played for MERALCO, is considered one of the deadliest in the PBA.
"If our partnership in the hardcourt worked wonders for our team, I think we can also do the same on the bench," he said with a smile.
Source:mb.com.ph
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