MISSING Rolly Manlapaz?
If you don't know Manlapaz, he happens to be one of the most well-liked coliseum barkers in Philippine sports. He has been on the job for close to two decades, calling games both in the UAAP and the rival NCAA.
So it came as no surprise that not a few people noticed his absence - and missed his booming baritone voice - during the first weekend of the Season 81 UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Nakakamiss si Rolly Manlapaz,” posted La Salle guard Aljun Melecio on his Twitter account after the Saturday openers.
“Its not the UAAP without Rolly Manlapaz on the mic. #UAAPSeason81,” tweeted University of the Philippines assistant coach Mark Dandan on the micro-blogging site.
Even former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena sensed something was amiss when it wasn't the deep voice of Manlapaz reverberating inside the coliseum after every basket made.
“Is it just me or talagang napaka energetic nung coliseum barker ng UAAP. ???? ang ganda nung move, kung bangitin parang siya pa nalugi,” posted the former league MVP on his Twitter page.
It's easy to understand why both players and fans miss Manlapaz, who has become identified with the college games and coined catchy monikers of players, most notably ‘The Beast’ for Calvin Abueva, 'KG' for Nino Canaleta, and 'The Saint' for Ronald Tubid.
When SPIN.ph asked around about Manlapaz, we were told that the former radio deejay has been ill for a while now, the reason a benefit Ateneo-La Salle game was held during the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup last June 12 to help defray his hospital bills.
Manlapaz, a Communication Arts graduate from Ateneo who has also worked games in the PBA, PBL, and the defunct MBA, is still not well and still has difficulty walking because of his illness, said people close to him. He is a casual employee and paid on a per game basis.
Both the UAAP and NCAA have hired replacement barkers in his absence, but we were assured by UAAP officials that they are open to taking Manlapaz back once he's healthy enough to return to work.
So here's hoping for Manlapaz's recovery. We'd like to see you back in the games.
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