As the world says good bye to former President Corazon Aquino, one of the world's icons of democracy, I would like to pay my respects as well. As president, Aquino managed to make an impact on Philippine sports (including setting up the Philippine Sports Commission), despite being handed a gargantuan task of restoring Philippine democracy after over 20 years of Marcos rule. Now, a good many people have a lot of wonderful and personal things to say about Aquino, I have no such luck. Instead, I am listing down my favorite sports moments during her presidential years as my tribute.
1986 - The Crowning of Asia's Sprint Queen
The 1986 Asian Games was the setting for one of Philippine sports' greatest moments. Lydia de Vega, one of the young products of Michael Keon's Gintong Alay program, sprinted her way to gold medal in the 100m dash event, the centerpiece event for athletics, earning herself the distinction of be
coming Asia's fastest woman. This achievement, coupled with de Vega setting an Asian record of 11.35 seconds, is especially significant, since the country has never again won for this event in the Asian Games.
1989 - The Upset at Roland Garros
Few people knew of Michael Chang, a Chinese-American who helped the U.S. dominate the junior circuit together with batchmates Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Todd Martin. After the 1989 French Open, though, everyone was buzzing about the 5 foot 9 Chinese kid with blinding speed. It was this blinding speed on Roland Garros' relatively slower surface that enabled Chang to break through onto the senior circuit as he copped his first and only Grand Slam Championship. The then teenager defeated the more highly-touted Steffan Edberg in a thrilling five set match, 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4 and 6-2.
1989 - The Arrival of an "Earthquake"
Luisito Espinosa, one of the Philippines' well-loved boxers stepped into the world stage in 1989. The boxer, known as "Lindol" (earthquake in Filipino), challenged Thai Kaokhor Galaxy for the WBA Bantamweight Title.T
he Filipino announced his arrival by knocking out the champion in the very first round. Espinosa would later on defend this title twice before losing it to Israel Contreras in 1991
1990 - Here come the Pros
Basketball-crazy Philippines got a reason to celebrate as professional basketball players were finally allowed to compete in the international arena, just in time for the 1990 Asian Games. Immediately, an all-PBA selection was formed to help the country win the much-coveted basketball gold medal. It was a veritable who's who in basketball as the team featured Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, Alvin Patrimonio and Ramon Fernandez and the team went on to win the silver medal, losing only to perennial champion China. That all star team, coached by the legendary Robert Jaworski, would become the highest placed Philippine basketball team since.
1990 - Warrior Wins at 'Mania
The Toronto Skydome was filled to the rafters with over 68,000 fans as they cheered on the likes of the Hart foundation, the Rockers and the like in the sixth edition of Wrestlemania. This particular 'Mania, though, was dominated not by the charismatic tag teams but by two iconic singles competitors. The main event featured the controversial Ultimate Warrior and the immortal Hulk Hogan and in a testament to both of their charisma, the 68,000 fans were split down the middle. In a thrilling match filled with non stop action and false finishes, the Warrior defeated Hogan, landing his trademark splash after Hogan missed on his patented leg drop.
1991 - Just One Away
In a testament to the FIlipino spirit, the archipelago nation bid and then successfully held the 1991 edition of the South East Asian Games, just 5 years after regaining independence via "People Power." The Filipino athletes didn't disappoint the local crowd, as the Philippines had their finest showing in history then, winning 91 gold medals, one gold away from overall champ Indonesia.
1991/92 - The Dream Becomes Reality
Just like in 1990 with the Philippines, the USA relished their chance to finally send their NBA professionals to play in the Barcelona Olympics. In 1991, USA Basketball assembled what many consider the greatest basketball, the "Dream Team." The USA looked to avenge their Olympic loss in 1988, assembled a team at least two deep at each position with future Hall of Famers, including the legendary trio of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The team absolutely destroyed the opposition in the Tournament of the Americas to qualify for the Olympics, and then cruised through the Olympics to claim the gold that was meant to be theirs the moment their team was formed.
There they are, my favorite sports moments form 1986 to 1992. I hope that somehow, former President Aquino will take some time off her busy schedule in heaven to read my post. Although I would appreciate her not commenting, lest I lose my mind.
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