THE return of the PBA to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday brings a wave of nostalgia for several personalities who once graced its hallowed courts.
Among them is Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, whose memories of the venue date back to his playing days for Mapua in the NCAA.
Victolero recalls NCAA days
With the majority of NCAA games held at the Rizal Coliseum during that era, Victolero fondly recalls his journeys to the arena, from riding the LRT to indulging in the delicacies offered by food stalls along the Vito Cruz sidewalk.
"Excited lang lalo na ako," expressed Victolero. "Huli ko, nung naglalaro pa ako sa NCAA. Excited ako na makabalik doon, kung ano na ba hitsura ng Rizal Memorial ngayon."
Coincidentally, Victolero's coaching counterpart, Aldin Ayo, also shares a history with the Rizal Memorial, having played there during the late 1990s and early 2000s as a member of Letran in the NCAA.
“Maganda lang na mababalik ka sa Taft,” he said. “‘Yung mga tindahan sa gilid, pagbaba mo ng LRT, nandoon na ‘yung gym. Tagal ko din naglaro diyan.”
Rizal Memorial makeover
Victolero will see the Rizal Memorial Coliseum differently than when he played in the NCAA because, in addition to extensive renovations to the stadium's interior and exterior, air conditioning units were added as part of the massive makeover for the nation's hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“Very memorable sa akin ‘yung venue na ‘yan. Diyan ako naglaro ng five years sa Mapua,” the Magnolia coach said.
Despite the fond memories, Victolero also recalls the challenges of playing at the Rizal Coliseum, including the precautions taken to prevent clashes between rival fans.
“Kapag sobrang dami ng estudyante, nakahiwalay sila. Mapua, isang side. For example, San Beda ‘yung isang side. Tapos may harang ‘yun lalo na ‘yung bleacher. Hindi sila puwedeng magtagpo kasi nag-aaway. Meron silang wall," he recalled.
“Nung 1992 or 1993, Letran, Mapua, nag-free for all sa game namin.”
As Magnolia gears up to face Converge FiberXers in their Philippine Cup opener, Victolero emphasizes the need for focus amid the nostalgia.
“Siguro ‘yung mga players ko, ganun din,” he remarked. “We need to stay composed siguro. Pagdating naman doon, kailangan lang naka-focus lang.”
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