CHICAGO - I guess it's the world we live in now where negativity reigns and becoming a conference finalist is somehow criticized instead of being celebrated.
That's the awkward, unfortunate spot the Magnolia Hotshots find themselves in as they battle San Miguel Beer for the PBA Commissioner's Cup championship.
After racking up an 11-0 record in the PBA on Tour, the Hotshots finished this conference's elimination round with a 9-2 slate on the way to the No.1 seed.
A feat like that defines a "legitimate contender." But those idiots who revel in spreading their poison on social media, chose to assign another term for Magnolia.
"Introvoys."
Named after a Pinoy rock band formed in the 80s, the "introvoys" tag refers to a team or athletes who start good and finish badly. In horse racing parlance, this choke job is called "banderang kapos," I was told.
GARBAGE TALK NOT WELCOME
When I asked him about it via text message, Magnolia Chito Victolero was quick to distance himself from the topic.
Smart man. Why torture your ears with irritating noise when cheerful conversation is an option?
"There will be a time that I will answer that question. Now is not the time. We have bigger problems than to worry about what fans think of us," he said.
"We're down, not out," Victolero said of the 0-2 hole the Hotshots have fallen into. He then went on to explain why they are facing the predicament of needing to win four of the next five games of this best-of-seven series.
"Bennie Boatright is an inspiration to them. After he came in to replace their other import [Ivan Aska], San Miguel has been really good. Malaki ang impact ni June Mar (Fajardo) at saka si (Don) Trollano and the other locals are playing very well."
Victorlero's lavish praise of the Beermen shouldn't be mistaken as a concession speech. Like a good sport, he is merely giving props to his opponents while reminding us of the enormity of Magnolia's task.
A LOT OF FIGHT LEFT.
Knowing Magnolia, the rough riders they have and the coaching staff guiding them, they are more than capable of turning this Finals into something that would resemble a competition.
Sadly, after two lopsided losses - the Hotshots trailed by as many as 20 points in Game One and got pummeled by 24 in Game Two - the buzz is limited only outside the lines.
Calvin Abueva is a triple-double threat but in these Finals so far, he only had a wicked double-double: He reportedly mocked another man's physicality while allegedly challenging another to a fistfight.
Is he a distraction? I asked coach Chito of his passionate power forward who has just been fined P100,000 for ridiculing Beermen coach Jorge Gallent, a PBA lifer and a well-respected figure in the league.
"We don't talk about it as a team. We don't discuss it in practice. May mas malalaki kaming problema," Victolera explained.
While some might believe coach Chito is ducking the issue, I think he is a man who knows his priorities and understands that some words are better left unsaid.
Didn't I already say he was smart?
What's not wise, though, is highlighting only the shortcomings while conveniently ignoring the achievements.
Under Victolero, Magnolia had been to the Finals four times and won once. Considering there are 12 teams plus the fact that Ginebra, San Miguel and TNT are the resident super powers, that's a great batting average.
Labels can create stereotypes. It's harmful, toxic.
Referencing the Hotshots as "introvoys" is not only wrong, it's disrespectful to the band.
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