CLARK FREEPORT – For a coach as vocal as Yeng Guiao, calling the shots on the sidelines with a mask on is rather strange, not to mention challenging.
Guiao admitted having a hard time giving out instructions to the NLEX Road Warriors with a mask on, as had been the case in their PBA Philippine Cup debut on Sunday night against Barangay Ginebra at the Angeles University Foundation gym.
It likewise lessens the impact of his words when he starts shouting invectives on his players and officials alike.
“Hirap na hirap ako, hindi ako makasigaw, e. Inaalis ko kapag nagsasalita ako o kaya nagbibigay ako ng instructions, or pag nagagalit ako,” said Guiao following his team’s 102-92 loss to the Kings.
“Hindi nila maintindihan yung mura ko kapag nagagalit ako.
“Mahirap, mahirap. Siguro kaunting adjustment pa,” he added.
But while he’s struggling to adjust to the new normal, Guiao wouldn't have it any other way. According to the champion coach, strict adherence to the practice inside the bubble sends a strong message on the importance of wearing a mask amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Part ng sacrifice yun,” stressed Guiao, a former congressman and vice governor of Pampanga. “Tsaka I think kapag nakikita ng publiko na naka-mask ka, mas ma-encourage din sila na mag-mask. So we’re really setting an example here in the bubble.”
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