ANTIPOLO – Poy Erram had a long day on Wednesday - literally.
Aside from playing in Game 1 of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup finals for TNT at the Ynares Center, Erram was in Intramuros early in the day, as Team Philippines was honored by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for bringing glory at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December in Bangkok.
Erram was part of the Gilas Pilipinas team that bagged the men’s basketball gold, and most of his teammates were also present to attend the ceremony.
Even though he had a game – a championship game at that – to play during the evening, the Tropang 5G center didn’t hesitate to attend the ceremony, as it was an honor to celebrate the success of not just Gilas, but also his fellow athletes in the regional meet.
“Siyempre, overwhelming feeling. Hindi mo naman ma-meet ang president at any given day,” said Erram, who for the first time in his life met the President of the Philippines.
“Very honored din kami na binigyan niya kami ng time. Nag-congratulate niya lahat ng athlete, hindi lang basketball."
Erram said the Office of the President gave each athlete a certificate of recognition and a gold coin for their achievements. Marcos Jr. also matched the cash incentives that were accorded to them under the law.
“Malaking bagay ‘yun for us knowing that he cares for the athletes ng Pilipinas. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na ni-recognize kami,” he said. “Overwhelming na makamayan mo siya.”
Poy goes from win to win
Erram started the day early, arriving in Intramuros at around 7 a.m. Fortunately for him, the TNT big man had time to rest for his game in the evening, and even had a strong showing where he had six points, three rebounds, and one block in 16 minutes and 46 seconds.
TNT also won Game 1, 96-91, over San Miguel to gain the early lead in the best-of-seven finals.
“Luckily naman, nagkaroon pa rin ng time pag-uwi ko. Nakauwi, nakatulog pa rin. And then, wala namang trapik papunta rito. Nakapagpahinga pa,” said Erram.
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