JAMES Yap may be neck-deep in the campaign season for his re-election bid as councilor of San Juan City, but he still makes sure that he’s got basketball in his hectic schedule.
The two-time PBA MVP has gone back to his roots and once again donned the colors of his alma mater, representing Hua Siong College of Iloilo-Lamtex Pipes in the Fil-Chi Athletic Association Inc. (FCAAI) 40 Above Basketball Tournament.
“Siyempre school ko nung high school ito. Pinapakita ko rin sa kanila yung suporta ko,” he told SPIN.ph.
Easily the most recognizable figure not just for his team, but for the whole tourney, Yap is still as good as they come even at the age of 43, taking over the games even if he comes in late.
But the Escalante, Negros Occidental native does not mind one bit as long as he shows up not just for his team, and also for the throng of fans who always comes to watch him play at Tanduay Gym.
“Medyo may conflict kasi sabay sa campaign at caucus namin. Pero halos sabay naman kasi pa-start yung games dito ng gabi, natatapos na kami sa kampanya, so humahabol na lang ako. Buti na lang malapit lang yung San Juan,” he said.
And Yap wouldn’t deny how gratifying the feeling is, as he reunites with his peers rekindling their high school days together while also reminiscing the good old times competing with familiar foes.
“Masaya at masarap kasi after 20 years, nagkikita-kita kami ulit. Nage-enjoy talaga ako kasi ito yung mga barkada ko ng high school. Marami namang nasisiyahan na alumni kasi ang dami ring tiga-Hua Siong na nasa Manila, so nanonood din sila,” he said, teaming up with the likes of former Adamson studs Ken Bono and Leo Canuday and ex-Far Eastern University players Rhagnee Sinco and Francis Barcellano.
“Karamihan dito, nakalaro na rin naming noong high school kami kasi every summer, may Fil-Chi league dito sa Manila. So nakakalaban na namin yung mga players ng Uno High School, St. Stephen, Chiang Kai Shek. Parang reunion sa amin kasi halos magkaka-batch naman kami eh, pero pag pride ang pinaguusapan, syempre walang gustong magpatalo.”
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While Hua Siong is, of course, billed as one of the favorites in FCAAI, Yap isn't about to be audacious to say that they've got the cup in the bag.
But what he can guarantee is that they will give every team a run for their money, saying, “Lalaban kami. Kahit sabihin nila na malakas ang team namin, 'di pa rin namin tine-take for granted yung mga kalaban.”
And who knows, Yap might be close to not just winning in the political arena, but also add one in a field he’s long known for.
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