Chris Tiu, co-captain of the Philippine National Basketball Team

 *Disclaimer: This blog entry was taken from my old Friendster blog written Oct. 10, 2007. This was the answer to Chris Tiu's question: What can we do to grow Pinoys interest and passion toward other sports besides basketball?

Hey Chris! Good question! I have been itching for this question for ages. Okay people tend to be more interested and passionate about basketball because we are so Americanized. We tend to look up at things from America and almost worship it. Since basketball is an American sport so we Filipinos tend to do stuffs we do on things "from America". Another reason is that we have an existing professional league here, and it has media mileage on free tv. A basketball player tend to be paid more than an average Pinoy who works 9-5. Having professional leagues from other sports may cause to stir the interest of fellow Filipinos to also appreciate them. Just like in the United States. Fact is that, the NBA is not the number one sport in America, it is actually the National Football League and Major League Baseball. And in Brazil where Soccer is King, the Brazilians also have volleyball and basketball leagues for both sexes. Come to think of it, in Brazil, they saw the potential of there countrymen in these sports. If only conglomerates and Pinoy corporations see that our countrymen has the potential. I remember we used to be the Kings and Queens of Baseball and Softball, and I am dreaming we could get back to that prestige if only these guys had the funding. And lastly, we had too much politics in ours sports, sometimes our athletes tend to gave up their hopes because of politics. These athletes have the potential in bringing home the bacon, just like what Manny Pacquiao does. He and some legends before him (like my kababayan, Flash Elorde) made the Pinoy love boxing, not just because he has the talent, skills, and all, but the backing of Politicians (Ahem, like Atienza!) and the businessmen (Ahem, San Miguel Beer!). If only these guys could do the same for other events.  In order for Pinoys to appreciate sports other than basketball (and boxing) we should be open minded that we have a potential in other sports, to the media comglomerate…have some soccer, baseball, rugby and others being broadcast on free tv, to the politicians…stop the politics and to for the rich guys, sponsor some pro-league from other sports.  I am going to end my angsty answer to your simple question with an information that, as of the moment I am looking forward for the next PBA season, while watching European football (Ahem, that’s soccer to you!).