THE world has almost stopped thanks to this pandemic. And it’s frightening. The last time I felt this fear and uncertainty was post-9-11 New York City (I was living in the Empire State during that time) and in February 1986—if you were in Edsa.
And the way my parents and those of their generation tell it—it was the same during World War II.
The common denominators included these feeling of uncertainty and anxiousness. You really do not know what happens next. You must—as the saying goes—hope for the best, but expect the worst.
And yet, not even a world at war could stop sports leagues from being played. There was some form of baseball played back in the United States during that time. Now, there is nothing. And with good reason.
Suddenly, everything seems trivial as opposed to staying safe, alive, and healthy even if there are so many unanswered questions.
Most of it is beyond my control so why worry about that?
In this time of a lockdown, quarantine, and curfew, here is what I will do when I am not working:
Finish my viewing of the following on Netflix (that I have started but not finished) Boca Juniors Confidential and First Team Juventus. I love these documentary/reality series about sports teams. Boca Juniors is one of my favorite football teams and it is really good for football fans to know about other squads outside Europe.
Finish the book I am writing about the Xavier Golden Stallions. The principal writing is 90 percent done. Just a bit more then we will see this book released in a few months. This will be my eighth book and fourth as sole author.
The books I have written include two about the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ 2008 and 2012 championships, Gilas Pilipinas’ 2013 FIba Asia campaign, the National University (NU) Bulldogs’ 2014 University Athletic Association of the Philippines title run, the rise of the NU Pep Squad Gilas Cheerdance Champions, multititled basketball coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan, and the history of Philippine football.
Finish reading the book, Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. I have seen the film adaptation, but the book, is more powerful.
And figure out what to write over these next few weeks. Sports events aside, there are still stories to tell.
It’s going to be an interesting and worrisome month.
Oh, and pray. Do not forget to pray.