Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu ... An Inspiration

I was never been a basketball fan before even in my student days and I never thought that I would be one until Chris Tiu came into my mind. He used to be my crush, seeing him in magazine ads, TV programs and watching his basketball games.  I know in myself that every time I got a crush, later on it turns out to be my obsession. By the time I realize that I have this huge crush on him, I wanted to see him right at that moment. Hehehe, sobrang baliw lang. The first time I saw him was the time we are about to watch a movie in Greenbelt. My friend said "Uy! Si Chris Tiu !" and by the time I turn on his direction, He already passed by on our place. Wearing that orange shirt and seeing just his back, I missed the opportunity.

Few months after, I just heard from a friend that Chris is included in the PBA Rookie Draft. August 19, 2012, with my SLR and my strong will that I can see him there, me and my friends went to Robinson's Midtown. We had a difficulty looking for him because only rookies for the said events are allowed inside the event area and audiences were not allowed to come inside the area. There, I found my way to take a picture of him. I just called a man there on the event and hand him my SLR camera and said "Kuya, pakipicturan naman si Chris. Kahit ipasok mo na tong camera ko." I was a die hard fan on that moment not realizing that my camera might steel away from me considering that it is not yet fully paid. Well, that's me. A total crazy over Chris.

As the 75th season of UAAP was about to end, suddenly I had this interest on watching the Ateneo's basketball game. Not knowing who are the players there, I went to ADMU's campus over Katipunan just to buy some Ateneo shirts and lanyards. I even plan watching the semi-finals game (fighting De La Salle Green Archers) but the tickets were already sold out.

Despite of failing to buy some tickets, that doesn't stop me from wanting to see him cause I know that Blue Eagles can beat the enemies and my idea was right cause in that game, they won and they are about to play in the finals. At that moment, I didn't waste any chance to buy tickets for the final game. I even ask all my friend in the office, batchmates from college and all my facebook pals if they have any ADMU alumni contact.

Seven days before the first game of UAAP Finals, I was so pre-occupied with the idea of watching it. I don't wanna lose my hope and said "Hanggang sa mismong araw ng game, kailangan humanap ako ng ticket." My officemates keep on telling me that I'm overacting, daig pa ang Atenista. That doesn't stop me and at the day of the game, a friend from the office texted me and said that they have tickets. Telling me the price, at first I considered it as expensive but later told myself that it's alright, it's my first UAAP game to watch. 

October 6, 2012, as I travel going to MOA Arena, wearing that blue Ateneo shirt I bought, I am determined that the team will win the game. As I am watching the game, the boy next door focus on the screen and it gives my heart a leap, he's here, Chris Tiu is here.As the game finished with the Blue Eagles winning the game, I told myself,  the 600 pesos is worth for the win. I waited for Chris in the exit of the patron seats area and I just saw his figure. I was ready with the camera of my IPhone when suddenly he took the other exit. Right then there, another missed out. Now, my next prayer is for the team to win the second game for them to become the champion cause I know that in the ADMU's  bonfire celebration, I can see Chris there.

October 11, 2012, the second game was about to happen. Though I cannot come to watch due to my work, my fingers were crossed on praying that the team can win this. I was so agitated in the mid afternoon as the game started. I cannot focus on my work and keep on checking the feeds on twitter regarding the status of the game. When the feeds just showed that the Blue Eagles won 65 from the rival university with 63, I said to myself "Ito na toh, Bonfire na !!!". 

October 13, 2012, after traveling to Batangas attending a birthday party, we head to Ateneo in order to witness the champion's bonfire event. Arriving there at almost past seven in the evening, we straight ahead to the lane where we can purchase the five peat shirt. Right there on the lane, I turn my stare on my back and just saw the man whom I keep on thinking, it's Chris Tiu. Leaving the line and searching in the blue crowd, I spotted him. With my camera, I went to the booth of Happy Lemon and ask him to take a picture with me. And right at that moment, God granted my wish for my birthday and that photo made me smile up until today. I even asked my facebook friends to like that picture, talagang minamarket ko.

Though the UAAP for this season is over, I keep on praying to see him once more. I even plan on joining his organizations- Habitat Philippines and Ecowarriors. I really don't know what's happening to me having a crush on him but one thing is for sure, Chris Tiu inspired me.

ONE BIG FIGHT !

-Paw