I'm a Sports Mom and I am loving it!

I am an avid sports fan. Basketball, volleyball, baseball, to name a few. In my country, the Philippines, we have a lot of basketball competitions, professional and college leagues. Our two major collegiate sports leagues are the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), although I watch the UAAP more than the NCAA. The UAAP's member schools are the top eight universities in the country, my Alma Mater included. The professional league has the the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). Basketball IS big in this country. Some may find it amusing, because Filipinos are not meant to be really tall. 

The UAAP Men's Basketball season ended a few weeks ago. My Alma Mater, The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST), founded in 1611 is the oldest Catholic University in Asia. In sports circles, we are called the "Growling Tigers" with a never-say-die attitude. In this past season, the Men's Senior Basketball Team went from the brink of elimination to beating Ateneo University for a slot in the Final Four. We put an end to the 12-year consecutive finals appearance of the Ateneo University. From 4th seed, we went on and beat the top seeded team to gain entry into the Championships. Another record broken. Game 1 of the Championships was a big boost to the Tigers, however, we were unfortunate to snag the championship. Our opponent, the Dela Salle University (DLSU) won the championship this year. Oh well, as previously mentioned.. Never Say Die.

Jeron Teng (R) and Jeric Teng(L)

This year's basketball finals was particularly interesting. The two schools, UST and DLSU had brothers competing against each other. UST had Jeric Teng, and DLSU had the younger brother, Jeron Teng. Can you imagine how their parents felt? They could not side with any team. I could not even imagine how they were interacting at home after a game. I salute the parents, though. They raised their boys well. The minute the final game ended and DLSU was proclaimed champion, Jeron Teng left his overjoyed team mates to look for his brother in the crowd. He was overheard saying "Where's my brother?" When he found him, he took him to center court and raised his brother's hand in victory. I was teary eyed. Now that's love and respect.

On the 3rd of November, the draft for the professional league will start. Most of the graduating basketball players from the UAAP have filed their application. It will be a very interesting professional league this time. These college boys will be out of their comfort zone and will have to learn team play with former opponents. I am looking forward to the new recruits for both the professional and collegiate leagues.

Thousands of miles away, the NBA will start on October 29. Whoopie! Another sporting event to look forward to. Thank you to cable television, I can watch the games live. I am torn whether to root for Chicago Bulls - for Derrick Rose, or for Miami Heat, mentored by a Filipino, Eric Spoelstra. They are both strong teams and anything can happen. As with all sports, may the best team win.

I love sports and actively participated in it when I was young. I was a member of the Pepsi Skateboard Team and it was such a good experience for me. I played basketball with my boys when they were growing up. I engage in a "scream fest" with my daughter whenever we watch games on TV. Haha. Being a big sports fan gives me and my kids valuable bonding time. We sit and watch, heckle and jeer, jump and body slam... and of course, I don't forget the popcorn. :)

Happy Monday to all sports moms!