Why Me?
A conversation with a friend last night reminded me of an article I did way back.
The post came to mind when my friend asked me the question:
"Why me? I cannot believe it! I hope it is not a mistake."
The question was very similar to that asked by Filipino Invasion's
Efren Bata Reyes when Time Magazine included him in its November 13, 2006
special anniversary issue - ā60 Years of Asian Heroes.ā
Efren uttered two words when he heard the news. Just two: Bakit ako? (Why me?)
For those not in the know, Time Magazineās special anniversary issue
paid tribute to the remarkable men and women who have shaped those times then.
And without further ado, here is the article in its entirety. It was penned
by Mr. Bob Guerrero.
.
Efren Reyes: Pool isnāt merely a beer-hall amusement.
Itās a path to the top by Bob Guerrero
Crime, entertainment or professional sports are the more traditional paths
followed by those seeking an escape from poverty. Thankfully for the Philippines
and the game of pool, Efren Reyes opted for the third of these routes.
It might not have been the case ā growing up dirt poor in Angeles City, Pampanga,
presents a man with countless ways to go awry. But Reyes possessed
so miraculous a talent that nothing, ultimately, could deviate him
from his true calling.
.
At the age of nine, Reyes began hustling for pesos at a pool hall owned
by his uncle. Forty-two years later, he would collect the richest prize
the game had ever seen - $500,000 in the International Pool Tour (IPT)
World 8 Ball Championship in Reno, Nevada, which Reyes won in September.
Connecting those two events is a career trajectory that moves
in only one direction: up.
.
Reyes has won almost every major title, leveraging a repertoire of creative shots
that is as legendary as his genial temperament. Humble, soft-spoken
and flashing a toothless smile, he is beloved even by his rivals:
in a poll during the last World Pool Championship, over half of the competitors
named his as their favorite player.
But he is especially idolized by impoverished Filipinos, to whom he is still Bata,
or āThe Kid,ā and the embodiment of their aspirations. They know, too,
that he has shared his winnings with needy friends and relatives.
These qualities have earned Reyes the kind of adulation normally reserved
for film stars. He has even featured in advertising campaigns
by the likes of McDonaldās and San Miguel Beer.
But if thereās one thing the man has been advertising since the day
he first picked up a cue, itās this: the odds-defying ability of a poor Pinoy
to parlay hard work, skill and guile into fame, fortune and respect.
.
And weāre not done yet! Here is a copy of the letter submitted to
Time Magazine in response to the above-mentioned article.
The letter is from Jowana Balana Bueser of Laguna, Philippines.
As a young Filipina who has been seeking real heroes for a long time,
I could not have been more delighted when I saw four of my countrymen
in TIME's "60 Years of Asian Heroes" [Nov. 13]. We have had heroes
and will have more, despite the political and economic quagmire
in the Philippines.
ļøIt's true that Corazon Aquino did not have an amazing presidential term,
but People Power continues to inspire the world. Journalists Eugenia Apostol
and Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc feed the populace with balanced news
and fearless views.
Pool champion Efren Reyes is always a breath of fresh air.
While showing off seems to be the mantra of most sports superstars,
Reyes remains humble despite his legendary status.
These four heroes serve not only as inspiration but also warnings.
Would-be dictators, irresponsible journalists and show-off athletes
should be scared because they will only lose in the end. - Jowana Balana Bueser
.
My thoughts? Efren Bata Reyes' skills made him unstoppable.
His character made him beloved.
And I kid you not! 
A.K.
.
