ARWIND Santos is ready not only for the cheers but also for the jeers as NorthPort plays in front of the fans for the first time on Friday in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup.
One of the most polarizing figures in the PBA today, Santos said he looks forward to the return of the spectators, whether it’s for him or against him.
“Ako naman, kapag sinabi mong fans, hindi ako nag-eexpect ng ‘I love you’ lang diyan. Meron ding ‘I hate you,’ mga bad words, natural ‘yan,” said Santos. “Hindi naman lahat ng tao, pamilya mo, hindi naman lahat ng tao at fans, nagmamahal sa akin or supporters ko. Ganun talaga, may mga team ‘yan eh.
"Expect mo ‘yun na may magagalit at may maiinis.”
NorthPort losing slide
Incidentally, Santos’ first game with fans back is against Barangay Ginebra, the most popular team in the league in the Friday nightcap. NorthPort is also looking to break a losing slide as it has yet to win in the three games that Santos played for his new team.
The PBA opened its doors to spectators on Wednesday after Quezon City allowed the league to open its doors at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. So far, the return of fans has received positive responses from teams which drew energy from spectators.
Santos said he has never been affected by critics ever since, saying haters will always be part of the game, as long as they don’t cross the line.
“Ako ang sinasabi ko lang, kung maiinis man kayo o sasabihan niyo ako ng masama, choice niyo ‘yan. Kung dun kayo masaya, okay lang ‘yun. Walang problema. Wag lang aabot sa point na pag dumating sa inyo, sana intindihin nyo rin.
"Sabi nga nila minsan, may karma. Kung makapagbitaw kayo ng salita sa kapwa niyo, ganun-ganun na lang. Pero kapag nandoon na kayo sa sitwasyon, pikon na pikon kayo. Pero ako kasi, okay lang ‘yan. Naiintindihan ko ‘yan,” said Santos.
Like the other players, Santos is excited to have the fans back at the venue, saying they were responsible for what he has become - a nine-time champion with an MVP plum also on his belt.
“Happy ako, good or bad man ang isigaw niyo, okay lang. Nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa inyo. Isa rin kayo sa nagpapa-ingay. Doesn’t matter kung ano ‘yung sigaw niyo. As long as maingay, gusto ko ‘yan,” said the 40-year-old.
"Ibig sabihin, masaya ang fans ng PBA."
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