Pampanga has a son who truly deserves recognition. He is a sports personality known for being a fine gentleman, quietly sharing and contributing to sports, particularly basketball, without fanfare. Gil Cortez, a Cabalen, holds the unique distinction of being the very first Rookie of the Year (ROY) in the PBA. That award in 1976 highlighted how Kapampangan players could become great athletes. Whether by design or not, Cortez's recognition inspired fellow Cabalens who eventually became ROY recipients: Jimmy Taguines in 1977 and Jimmy Manansala in 1978. That is three consecutive years for Pampanga ballers, paved by Kong Gil, who made an impressive debut for the Toyota Super Corollas.
Three Consecutive ROYs
Three consecutive ROYs for Kapampangans can be equated to JunMar Fajardo's nine MVP awards. Kong Gil is still grinding, developing players who aspire to become basketball greats. His good deeds transcend his good looks. He continues to organize provincial and regional basketball leagues like the United Central Luzon Athletic Association, where muscleman Vic Manuel and Chris Exciminiano had stints during their development years. Cortez also contributed to the games of the Trillo brothers and Jayson Webb, his wards at La Salle. The most successful among current PBA players he helped is the burly Dave Marcelo, part of the Ginebra champion team of 2016 and two other championships.
Involvement with Gilas Pilipinas and Coaches
Kong Gil is also involved in Gilas Pilipinas Youth Boys tryouts as Director for Zone 3 of Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP). He also has coaches in mind and heart; recently, he was involved in the Coaches Academy organized by SBP. He is also into professional volleyball, having managed the Balipure Water Defenders. In the late 1990s, Cortez handled the Pampanga Dragons in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, where the team emerged as its first champions in 1998 with former San Fernando Councilor and PBA MVP Ato Agustin as point guard. He was also into sports facilities management as head of the Pampanga Sports Complex in the City of San Fernando, a gargantuan task of overseeing the athletic field, oval, convention center, and other sports facilities as Pampanga's Sports Director, a position entrusted to him by the late former Governor Bren Z. Guiao.
Proud Kapampangan Moment
In a social media post after being featured on the Sports Lang FB page, he wrote "Proud Kapampangan Moment," enthused to share the coveted ROY award with Taguines and Manansala who followed his footsteps. The question now is: Is Pampanga also proud of him as one of its sons who has given the province honor and pride? It is saddening to learn that Kong Gil has not been given the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) yet. For the province's son to still be doing his share, contributing, and developing players, perhaps it is time for him to receive that recognition. He deserves it, and it is long overdue.
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Stay
+++++ MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA. Saying that it was enjoyable would not even cut it. The stay accorded to members of Pampanga Press Club at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila was more than that. It was more than just having fun at this luxurious sky hotel with all the amenities, food and beverage, and the warmth of its people. It was a grand stay, redefined. For one, very rarely does a hotel of such top caliber extend a two-night stay. Pampanga media do not often get to enjoy that privilege, especially for a second visit already. They were there two years ago, and to be invited once again is a total pleasure. Mention must be made of their good friend Francis David, the dashing and debonair Director of Sales and Marketing, and his equally amazing boss General Manager Fredrik Johansson. They were such good hosts, including the beauteous Christine Rosell, Catering Director. Staff Daryl Mendoza and Shamrock Valentin were also splendid with their unenviable task of babysitting the group.
Connection to Roots
Francis, whom they met in Clark working for another luxury brand hotel, puts high premium on his roots. He values places and people he has come across. While he may have been away from Clark for many years, he still keeps the connection. This perhaps explains why he planned this stay that was immersive to the host community – Pasig City. Not too many hotels do that, only those whose executives identify themselves as somebody who also belongs to the city and has high esteem for it. Marco Polo is so much in appreciation of Pasig City's heritage. This was seen in their visit that took them to the 1912-founded Panadera Dimas-alang, Ado's Panciteria, Bahay Na Tisa, Maybunga Rain Forest Park, and the Pasig City Museum. Not too many among them probably know of these tourist attractions. Whenever Pasig is mentioned, what likely comes to mind are big malls like SM Megamall and Robinsons Galleria. On a personal note, add the ULTRA where the writer used to watch Sonny Jaworski and Ginebra start the Never Say Die basketball credo in the 1980s.
Forbes Recognition
"Verified as one of the finest properties in the world," says Forbes of Marco Polo. Not once, not twice, nor even thrice. The recognition was given seven times. And rightfully so, as this sky hotel in Ortigas has all the fine (read: refined) aspects. Not just the property itself but also the people, service, amenities, and offerings. This is where the warmth of reception alone already gives a homely atmosphere. Yes, this immersive tour is truly a showcase of a hotel that is ever so finest.
