After seven years since they last won a PBA Conference championship, in 1997 as Gordon’s Gin Kings, Ginebra emerged as the winner in the recently concluded PBA Gran Matador Fiesta Conference last night.

I was a die – hard Ginebra fan before, sometimes to the extent of being a fanatic. Back in those days when Jaworski Sr. and Jr., David, Aquino, Hizon, Locsin, Jarencio, Gayoso, Feihl, Ong, Cheng and company still comprise the ball squad. I was really ecstatic when they won. Aside from seeing your favorite team winning the championship series, what makes it sweeter than it already is, is the fact that the losing team on the other end is the one I hated the most. I am a definite Alaska – basher that every time Ginebra beats them, I am the happiest, most jubilant fan there is. But when it’s the other way around, I am cursing them to death. If cursing words are as lethal as electrocution, Lastimosa, Abarrientos and company don’t stand a chance.



For me, it was the most glorious team they ever had. After that memorable win, I was as staunch supporter of the team as ever. I watched their games as if my life is on the line. Nothing matters but to see them win.

I slowly started losing interest when every time I watched their games on TV, all I am witnessing are disappointing losses: back-to-back-to-back, or almost winning their games but not quite for the nth time. It’s very frustrating indeed for a die – hard fan like myself. I prayed to high heavens just so that they would play really well and will win eventually. Also, the league’s trading of the ball clubs’ players helped in my diminishing ardor for Ginebra team. One by one, Ginebra players started transferring to other teams for better pay. I ask myself: “Where’s the Ginebra pride in these players?” I felt like these cagers whom I supported all throughout betrayed me. Not long after, Jaworski Sr. entered politics as a senatorial candidate and bid his basketball career and Ginebra, goodbye.

That proved to be the final straw. He is the only saving grace and the only reason why I still have faith in the team. When he left, my admiration for the team reached its all – time low. It became just a molecular iota from being the insurmountable amount of admiration, fanaticism and loyalty as it once was. Though its not totally gone or eradicated, I really had no interest in them anymore. I do not watched their games as often as before. When I heard of their wins: “Well and good.” If they lose: “What’s new?” I didn’t care whether they win or lose, entered the finals or not.

The only remnant of that 1997 Gordon’s Gin championship team this time is Bal David. All those faces I’ve seen last night celebrating were just mere, blank, unfamiliar faces. It’s like looking at your old house with new tenants in it. I don’t know if its because of age, maturity or I had become more interested in other things that I have outgrown being a Ginebra fan. A new generation of Ginebra fans have probably emerged, and as for a former generation of fans, like me, I feel like and outsider looking in.