By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
UNBELIEVABLE, but it’s true — it happened with a bang! Many have dubbed it the “October phenomenon” in Bacolod City.
Introducing the Cong. Greg Gasataya Basketball League (CGGBL) 2023 — the first of its kind in the “City of Smiles,” accompanied by millions of pesos in prizes.
Dozens of teams from the city’s 61 barangays participated in this basketball tournament that began a few months ago.
As it approached the finals, excitement grew exponentially, especially during the best-of-three series championship between barangays Taculing and 7 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Coliseum from Oct. 7-9.
The tournament atmosphere resembled a fiesta, which led the solon to increase security both inside and outside the USLS Coliseum.
‘Revolutionizing’ Sports Reporting
To be honest, I am neither a basketball enthusiast nor a fan—volleyball is my game. However, my 73-year-old father persuaded me to watch the final game live at the USLS Coliseum.
Despite my initial reluctance, after two nights, the in-game experiences, roaring cheers, and infectious energy from fans left me in awe.
Though I typically avoid sports reporting, having never familiarized myself with its specific jargon, this experience reminded me of the 2007 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand.
Amusingly, I was the sole “imported” SEA Games journalist from the Philippines who approached sports reporting by focusing on human interest angles. I highlighted the personal stories of winning athletes, making each report particularly relatable for Bacoleños and Negrenses. Many found this approach refreshing and engaging.
‘Priceless Loyalty’
With the CGGBL 2023, I think I grasped, perhaps for the first time, the allure of basketball. It united communities, energizing them with a passion that was captivating.
It’s strange, but this experience reaffirmed that basketball is more than just a sport — it’s a unique unifying force.
One-of-a-Kind Milestone
Greg deserves applause for establishing this remarkable milestone, especially with his term ending in 2025.
While local basketball tournaments are common, offering a P1-M prize pool stands out. With P500,000 for the champion, P250,000 for the first runner-up, P150,000 for the second runner-up, and P100,000 for the third, it’s certainly a game-changer.
‘Wondrous’
Regardless of the motive behind CGGBL 2023, its ability to attract and unite thousands is truly “wondrous.” While Greg remains tight-lipped about CGGBL 2023, likely to avoid political misinterpretation, it’s only right to acknowledge his commendable initiative. Many have expressed this sentiment.
In some ways, Greg mirrors Wang Yangming, a prominent figure in the Confucian tradition known as an “agent of unity”. By promoting unity in the community through this basketball league, Greg seems to be facilitating a healing process in Bacolod that transcends politics./PN
