As a sports fan, I would sometimes associate the world to a
basketball, not only because of their round shape but also from the lessons we
can derive from them. They are actually wonderfully connected.
As we take on our journey on Earth, we should learn how to
dribble our way towards our goal. However, in every drive we make, expect that
there will be attempts to steal your chance to score or block you as you shoot
for your dream. Just remember that if someone fouls you or forces you to commit
a turnover, learn how to bounce back and rebound and for sure you will meet
trusted teammates along the way who will assist you to victory.
I may sound like a sports geek but that’s how I love the basketball.
Playing and watching games is one of the things that make my world wonderful.
Imagine the heart-stopping game winning shot, the incredible plays of your idols,
and the loudest scream of fans in every championship of your favourite team. I have cheered for many basketball organizations
but as hardcourt heroes who I admire retire, I would change teams. But if there
is one sports team that I will forever follow by heart for as long as I live,
it will be the Red Warriors of my dear Alma Mater, the University of the East.
Watching every game of the Warriors, either at home or live
in the coliseums, brings me back the memories of my wonderful college years.
Like my team, I struggle for years as I was forced to work while studying. Just imagine the difficulties I have to endure to juggle paper works and term papers. But I did not lose hope and eventually graduated because like a true
warrior, I forever believe that if I want to achieve something, I should fight
for it with all my might.
Aside from sports, I also love watching movies. It can be
action, suspense, fantasy or comedy. I always find time to catch a film at home
or movie houses and it serves as one way of relaxing from a week-long grind in
the office. I have a thing about the classics especially award-winning
films because you are guaranteed that you will gain a lesson or two aside from
the fact that it is high-quality and wonderfully made.
I have shortlist of my all-time favorite films but Tom Hank’s
Forrest Gump is on top. For the longest time, I have always seen the movie as
the story of a man and his epic journey through life meeting historical
figures, influencing popular culture and experiencing first-hand historic
events of the late 20th century while being largely unaware of their
significance, due to his intellectual disability. But when I become a father, I
learned to appreciate the significant role of Sally Field who acted as
Forrest’s loving mom.
Mrs. Gump was Forrest’s pillar of strength. She was the only
one who believed her son can be as good as other kids. She remained blind to
discouragement and raised Forrest with a lot of “mother always says” lessons in
life that may sometime sounds funny but had sense. Who can ever forget the
classic line from the film, “My momma always said: Life was like a box of
chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Or how about the smart and
funny line “Stupid is stupid does?” I also have a Mrs. Gump in my life and her
name is Nanay Conchit, the most remarkable woman in my life who has given
everything she has and whatever she can just to make our lives wonderful.
At the end of the day, I would always thank God how lucky I
am that despite of the many stumbles and failures I have experienced in life, I
have two pairs of loving arms to embrace me whatever happens. I have a home in
my wife’s hugs and kisses and I have something to look forward to everyday in
my son’s sweet caress.
That’s how wonderful my life is today. And the better news
is that I have my family to share a lifetime of more wonderful moments as we take on life’s ups
and down, travel the globe and continue to search what are true purpose in this
journey called life.
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Philippine Airlines flies to Auckland, New Zealand starting December 2015.
Book now at www.philippineairlines.com.