THERE is no doubt that Asi Taulava’s toughest hurdle in his basketball career and, perhaps, in life as well was being tagged as a ‘Fil-Sham’ at the height of the controversy involving Fil-foreigners in the PBA.
“It was tough times and I was in the middle of all that,” Taulava told 2OT.
Taulava said there was definitely a feeling of hurt when he was deported in 2000 for being a ‘Fil-Sham.’ The Fil-Tongan later was able to prove he is a Filipino to the Department of Justice and was reinstated in 2001.
Controversy about Taulava's citizenship resurfaced in 2004 and he was suspended by the PBA indefinitely until the Quezon City Regional Trial Court ordered the professional league to allow Taulava to play until the remainder of his contract that time.
“Sometimes, thinking about it going back, it brings a lot of pain. I went through it for a while. I’m just happy that I was given the greenlight by the DOJ. During those times, there were tough times,” he said.
Taulava recalled his fellow players the time were also protesting at the height of the presence of Fil-Shams in the PBA.
“I don’t blame them. That’s their right. They had to do that. But it was tough times. Very challenging,” said Taulava.
Despite being deported, Taulava said he never gave up in proving his Filipino lineage in order to be able to return to the Philippines.
“I remember sometimes when I talk to my wife, I be like, is it really worth it just to be plastered like this on the news, all over the press, and everything about being a Fil-Sham,” he said.
Taulava is sure glad he fought for his rights.
“But I have to fight for my rights. And I’m glad I did because I have kids now. My daughters, they have to fight what they believe in and for what’s theirs,” Taulava added.
Several years after the ordeal, Taulava, barring any wipeout of PBA games in 2020, will be playing in his 21st and final season. The NLEX big man said the trials during the Fil-Sham days will definitely not overshadow the high points of his career such as winning the MVP in 2003.
“Gotten past it and now going into my 21st season. I just look back at everything. It’s been a journey, roller coaster, up and down… It’s been awesome. You take the good and the bad together and just enjoy the ride,” he said.
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