Hello my friend Pt109,
Your post made me realize that not everyone is on FB. It is a fact.
It is in this light that I would like to post the article I did in its entirety:
AK.
.
Humble Beginnings. Again.
.
Many are unaware of why I stopped playing #billiards, writing about it,
and promoting it. I had to attend to some serious issues, which started in 2010.
I didn't want anyone to know about it – only a couple of close friends
knew the real score. I never wished to leave. Circumstances forced my hand.
And my heart.
It was so easy for me to do fundraisers for others in need, pool players or not.
It was like second nature to help friends and strangers who are a bit down
on their luck. There’s no question about that.
However, when it was me who needed to ask for help, serious help,
I couldn’t push myself to do so. Why?
Maybe, it was my sense of independence. Possibly, it was the dreaded thought
of inconveniencing friends and the pool community on my behalf.
Perhaps, it was because of my belief to not dwell on “negativity.”
Conceivably, it was immaturity on my part. Or maybe, it was pride.
Perhaps, it was all of these and more. Or none of the above at all.
But I was certain about one thing, I never do things half-hearted.
After several years of absence, I am able and ready to make a go at it again
- for the sport that I love with all my heart, which has loved me back even more.
The response to my comeback has been overwhelming.
I have received countless phone calls, text messages, and emails
– well wishes, invites, business proposals and collaborations, etc.
Indeed, I am humbled by the experience – the sum of it all! I am deeply touched
by friends, both old and new, who took time out for me, on and off the pool scene.
Still, there was this lingering doubt about my decision to return,
with emphasis on whether or not this was the right decision to make
at this point in time. I kept asking myself that question.
Maybe, doubt is too strong a word. Anxiety? Butterflies in my stomach?
Fear of starting all over again? Everything seems so new to me in a way
I cannot put in words.
I was at this parking facility when that doubt crossed my mind again.
I looked up and said a prayer. I requested St. Padre Pio to intercede with God
on my behalf. I wanted to know that my decision to come back
was the right decision and that all will be well. I selfishly asked
for a specific sign: “That if this is really God’s will for me, allow me then
to have my very first sponsor by my side in the next phase of my journey in billiards.”
I know it was a selfish request. Indeed, it was! And I knew it was
like an impossible thing to be realized. After all, I never said a proper goodbye
to my sponsors and friends in the billiards circuit and industry.
I had some of the world’s most beautiful cues, cases, and accessories
– all given to me by my friends and sponsors, here and abroad.
And I sold them all during my leave of absence. It broke my heart.
But I had no regrets. None, whatsoever! I did it for my beautiful children. I never took a single centavo for myself. That is the honest truth.
All I had left were a few pieces of chalk and a couple of pool accessories.
And it is in this light I would like to announce that Predator Cues,
my very first sponsor then, is with me again! With a grateful heart,
I would like to convey this message to my Predator Cues family:
Thank you for sending me the #Ikon 3-1 pool cue with the world-renowned
314-3 shaft! It is beautiful! I love the feel of the cue in my hands! I LOVE IT!
And I kid you not! Thank you for the Predator Sport Cue Case,
Predator 1080 Pure Chalk, and Predator player patches! They are awesome!
Thank you, my Predator Cues family! Thank you for being with me
in the next phase of my journey in billiards! Thank you for the respect!
Thank you for the love! Thank you for your trust and confidence!
Thank you for believing! I will never forget. I will always remember.
Mabuhay ang bilyar! Mabuhay ang manlalarong bilyarista! Kapatiran!
AnitoKid
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@Frances Gerard Genil :
Ged, I clearly remember the comment you left on the comeback post
I did on my personal FB wall, my friend. Is it a coincidence? Yes, it is.
And a beautiful one at that! Please allow me to take this opportunity
to thank you for the kindness you have showered me with.
I have politely declined your wish to gift me that soft case,
which I was interested in purchasing for a Pampanga-made cue I was planning
to buy in the future. Nobody in his right mind would accept your generosity.
Your online business was just 2-weeks old then!
Yet, you wouldn’t take my NO for an answer. And you said, “AK, you wouldn’t
want us to fight over a Php500 cue case? You have given so much.”
And I was speechless, kapatid.
I give you my word, I will always keep and cherish this case. Cast that in stone.
Your words and actions have touched my soul.
.
Bebot Bautista Custom Cues
You were one of the first persons I called when I came back to the sport.
Thank you for offering to build and give me a custom cue, kapatid!
We did so many things then and had so much fun doing it! I look forward
to seeing you again. I miss you so much, my old friend.
.
I'm not a member of FB...so I'm going to have to give you a like on AZ....
LIKE
I've been one of your loyal readers.....and I kid you not
