LA Tenorio – CONTRIBUTED photos
LA Tenorio lives up to his PBA name Iron Man. After his six-month battle with stage 3 colon cancer, the Ginebra star cager is now in remission. Just as his team’s mantra is “Never Say Die,” LA’s fighting spirit saw him conquer the Big C.
The PBA veteran was part of the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff at the Asian Games in China. His victory over cancer and Gilas’ victory reaffirms what a champion he truly is.
Here’s my conversation with LA:
Tell us about your journey to recovery
The mental aspect was more difficult than the physical. But it helped that I was a PBA player because as a pro cager I was trained to be mentally tough. It was my unwavering faith in God and my incredible support system that got me through. In addition to my family, several groups of friends accompanied me on each trip to Singapore for my chemo sessions. I didn’t want my friends to feel sorry for me, so I carried on as if I wasn’t sick. I kept myself busy and stayed positive.
How does it feel to be back in action?
After seven months of not playing basketball, I feel like a rookie eager to get on the court and do what I love most.
What is your advice to those fighting the Big C?
Don’t wallow in self-pity or lose hope. Always focus on your purpose in life to keep you going.
How did you help motivate Gilas’ players to win gold?
Knowing what I went through because of cancer, I’m happy that my presence at the games inspired them in some way. I told them that they will never know what will happen tomorrow, so they should not miss the opportunity now that they are part of the national team. To enjoy the experience, instead of feeling pressured.
Is Tim Cone a better coach for Gilas than Chot Reyes?
It’s unfair to compare because when Chot was the coach during Fiba and Tim coached at the Asian Games, it was a different crop of players and opponents. Plus, we’re all brothers at Gilas, so no matter who the coach is, we share the glory. Tim’s victory is also Chot’s and vice versa.
Are you ready to join showbiz when you retire from PBA?
Maybe for fun, if it’s a project with one of my good friends, Zanjoe Marudo, Billy Crawford or John Lloyd Cruz. I am so grateful to Zanjoe for visiting me in Singapore twice for my treatments.
Ataska-VIVAMAX
Four-part erotic anthology
“Halo-Halo X,” a delightful erotic anthology, is now streaming on Vivamax, directed by Roman Perez Jr.
The four-part series kicks off with “Extra Rider,” starring Victor Relosa, Denise Esteban, Audrey Avila and Yda Manzano. It is about a rider who offers “extra service” to increase his income. So regardless of gender, he can pretend to be their lover.
“Lucy Dreaming,” the second episode starring Micaella Raz, Rash Flores and Andrea Garcia, is about a woman who falls in love with her brother-in-law and how they continue their dangerous relationship while living with the man’s wife.
In Episode 3, “Surveillance,” Jela Cuenca and Benz Sangalang put a different spin on adultery.
“Grade Conscious,” the latest episode starring Ataska, Aerol Carmelo and Aiko Garcia, is about a girl who goes so low to achieve the highest honor.
Let “Halo Halo X” satisfy all your desires.
Here are quotes from Roman (R), Victor (V), Ataska (A) and Benz (B):
R: “Lahat ng bawal masarap” is an apt slogan for our series. It serves as a cautionary tale that too much of anything is harmful. All episodes are based on real life stories.
Q: Direk Roman is my comfort zone. There was a time when my cast came off during a scene, but I didn’t worry because I knew I was in good hands.
A: Our episode has an important message for the young people who are pressured by their parents to be overachievers, and also for women who are pitted against each other.
B: I was an alcoholic before I joined showbiz. I realized that we should not give in to temporary pleasure that will cause permanent damage. That is exactly what our series conveys.
R: Not all actors are suitable to work with me. I heard that Aljur Abrenica and Rose Van Winkel are afraid of me, but I am open to working with them. I want to be respected instead of feared.
Ruby Ruiz in the sexy thriller from Vivamax
Be intrigued as delusion and reality collide in “Langitngit” (streaming on Vivamax). The sexy thriller, directed by Manang Medina, Itan Rosales, Aurora Yumul and Ruby Ruiz, is directed by Christopher Novabos.
Brace yourself for screaming silence in a film about deep, dark secrets and forbidden pleasures. What you resist will continue to exist.
Here are quotes from Manang (M), Ruby (R), Itan (I) and Christopher (C):
M: Working with Tita Ruby taught me how powerful the eyes can be. She lets her eyes do the talking. Just looking at her eyes motivated me to match her level of acting.
I: Before our shoot, I took an acting workshop with Tita Ruby. She told me that even if it is a small or meaty role, I should always take it to heart.
C: Our film starts slowly. That was deliberately intended to build up tension.
R: It’s my first project for Vivamax. I was recommended in other VM films, but I wasn’t chosen. Maybe it made Boss Vic curious because my name was always on the list, so they finally got me. He was just being honest when he said: ‘di pa n’ya ko kilala. I want to tell him that I also like to make sexy scenes (laughs).
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Ricky Davao
Ricky Davao in ‘Silver Lining’
I’m so looking forward to watching ‘Silver Lining’, the play by my good friend, Ricky Davao, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza Makati. Check it out on October 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. It’s a story of rediscovery across two timelines, reliving the turbulent ’70s and understanding the struggles of Gen Z.
