If there was one thing the Filipinos enjoyed more than the basketball at the opening of the FBC Chikka Grill Marco Polo Hotel Cup at Al Nasr Club, it was the presence of a true Filipino basketball legend – Fortunato ‘Atoy' Co.
Co's contribution to the professional game in the Philippines is nothing short of exemplary. The 57-year-old former shooting guard was one of his nation's finest talents during his time with Crispa Redmanizers, one of the then dominant forces in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
And clearly, he is just as popular among his fans today as he was in his prime. "I'm very proud and happy to be here, especially in Dubai where I have heard a lot of good things about the Filipinos over here. I'm happy because they are helping the economy grow back home. And with my coming here, it will give them nostalgia, happiness and unity," Co told XPRESS. He also fully backed the idea of PBA stars playing exhibition games abroad labelling it the perfect remedy to cure homesickness among hordes of his compatriots who ply their trade overseas.
"Last month we played four exhibition games in the United States for the Filipinos over there.
"That's where I got the idea that when you play in front of the expatriates, you can see the joy on their faces. They want to get autographs and so on.
"When Ted Magno [sports director of the FBC] called me to attend this opening ceremony, I said ‘why not?'
He added: "We are thinking of bringing the group that played in the States over here. They represent the best 25 players of the PBA from former to present and are the stars over there. It will be good for the league as well as the people here. When [expatriates] come to watch basketball, it makes them feel at home, even if it's just for a little while."
Co's career
- The first PBA player to score 5,000 and 10,000 points
- Voted Most Valuable Player in 1979
- Inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2005
- Ventured into showbiz after ending his basketball career
Inter-hotel cup: Debutants steal the show from champions
The FBC Chikka Grill Marco Polo Hotel Cup basketball tournament got off to a rousing start at the Al Nasr Club as debutants Intercontinental Hotel produced a magnificent fightback to stun defending champions Fairmont Hotel 68-61 in overtime.
Beginning the final quarter with an 11-point deficit, Intercontinental Hotel sprung to life outscoring their opponents by 19 points to eight which saw them tie the game at 58-58 at the sound of the hooter.
With the momentum and a majority of the fans clearly with coach Charles Ferrer's side, the first period of overtime proved to be a mere formality as the holders were left totally dazed at the dramatic turnaround by their opponents.
It was a rewarding day for the Festival City-based team. They also won the "best jersey" award at the colourful opening parade.
And if that opening match was any indication of the season ahead, a scorching summer will not keep the Filipinos away from the Al Nasr Club every Friday for the next five months.
