BENTA BA SI MARIANO o HINDI?
October 18 Game 4: PBA Governor’s Cup Game 4 Championship with score tied at 83-83: Petron star player Arwind Santos, a 2013 PBA Leo Award MVP and 7-year PBA Veteran who has several UAAP and PBA championships tucked under his belt, MISSED a potential winning shot. He also committed a grievous error in the last 30 seconds of play by an errant thrown-in resulting to San Miguel Coffee winning the 4th game and with the series now tied at 2-2. QUESTION “Benta ba?” Because it’s the SAME TWO MISTAKES committed by UST Aljon Mariano. Yet, we, his fellow Thomasians have “crucified” Aljon Mariano at no end.
To my fellow Thomasians, give Aljon Mariano a break. He made 2 crucial errors but it doesn’t mean he sold out. Remember Aljon Mariano is not the “Go To Guy.” It’s a common knowledge that if ever there was a game fixing, it normally involves “star players.” Flashback: If not for Mariano’s 3-point shot that sent UST vs FEU into an overtime, UST wouldn’t have reached the Finals. Mariano was just at the right place and at the right time but committed 2 crucial errors. I, too, was enraged by Mariano’s 2 crucial errors but it’s a judgement call and life has to move on. Again, hindi puwedeng benta si Mariano because he is not the Go To Guy. At kung benta, bakit pa niya nai-shoot yung last 2 free throws nya?
To the Lasallian community, congratulations for winning the Season ’76 Men’s Basketball crown. La Salle is blessed to have a generous sponsor like Ambassador Danding Cojuangco. Mr. Cojuangco has generously funded La Salle’s sports program. It spells the difference in not just winning the Men’s and Women’s UAAP crown but as well as on its track to the UAAP back-to-back overall championship.
To a few Lasallians who have ridiculed Mariano, instead of just celebrating a victorious season, please reflect on your history. In 2006, UAAP board suspended La Salle in all sports events for the entire 2006-2007 season for fielding ineligible players in its men’s basketball team and stripped La Salle of its championship 2003-2004 crown. Enough is enough. “Let the one who has no sin cast the first stone.”
To Aljon Mariano, prove your bashers wrong. Hopefully, this trial will make you a better person.
To Jeric Teng, your style of playing suits the PBA more and maybe a PBA Championship in the future. Wishing you the best.
To the Thomasian Community, I am proud to be a Thomasian! Go USTE, Go USTE, Go USTE, Go Go Go Go, Go USTE!
Lorenzo Chingcuanco
College of Commerce '77
