MICHELA Cazzola and James Yap kiss after the grand-slam victory. AUGUST DE LA CRUZ
I am ecstatic that the team of my amigo James Yap, San Mig Coffee Mixers, clinched a grand-slam victory at the PBA Governor’s Cup.
I was too nervous to watch the game live. But after the match, James and his fab GF, Mic (Michela Cazzola) invited me by text to the victory dinner at Edsa Shangri-La’s Heat. Too bad I couldn’t go. But I am looking forward to another big celebration.
It was a double win for James, who was also named Most Valuable Player. James has endured a lot, both on the hardcourt and in his personal life. But he has remained patient, kind and humble. Hence, his good karma.
All the fame has not changed this gentle Ilonggo. Yes, he is also a Most Valuable Probinsiyano.
Earlier, watching one of San Mig’s games at the Big Dome with Mic, I gave her a Hiligaynon dictionary so she could master James’ language. I admire her for going that extra mile.
Ma cherie amie Mic is truly James’ lucky charm. They go together like a good assist and a slam dunk.
How does James feel about his team’s grand-slam win and his MVP award?
He is extremely happy! The team made history, and he showed everybody that hard work, passion and nerves of steel pay off. Of course, he has natural talent, which he’ll never admit because he’s very humble.
What dish did James indulge in after the finals?
His favorite, steak.
How will you spend the long break before PBA resumes in September?
We will take a well-deserved vacation in Europe.
What kind of wedding do you and James want? How many kids?
Not thinking about that right now. We’ll see.
What do you love most about James?
His patience. And the fact that he doesn’t say bad things about people, no matter what.
What’s the sweetest thing that James did for you?
He makes so much effort to make me happy. Once, he surprised me with a birthday party, and he sang for me.
Chris the champ
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (ROS) didn’t exactly lose against San Mig Coffee Mixers (SMC) at the PBA Governor’s Cup. ROS gave SMC a tough time. They almost won. Too bad, only one team could be champion.
ROS’ Chris Tiu shares his post-series thoughts with us:
How do you feel?
Sayang! We had a strong team and we were capable of beating SMC. But they played better when it mattered. It’s not our time yet. Congratulations to SMC and thanks to all ROS fans.
How will you spend the long break?
We just opened the first Eric Kayser Café in Promenade Greenhills and our second Tampopo branch (katsu ramen shop from Singapore) at Bonifacio High Street. Also working on a new menu for Happy Lemon. and my wife Charisse has a new shop in Promenade, Urban Pastry.
I need to catch up with tapings for GMA 7 and TV5, plus my work in the barangay and my foundation. The family will take a vacation in South America and/or Europe before PBA resumes.
New officers
ABS-CBN communications consultant and spokesperson Ramon “Bong” Osorio and corporate communications officer in charge Kane Errol Choa were elected new presidents of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, respectively—the most respected organizations of PR practitioners and BizCom professionals in the country.
At the induction rites, Kane announced IABC PH’s projects: Communication Excellence in Organization Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, Philippine Student Quill Awards, IABC Phil Comm Chat learning series, the launch of its first electronic book on the best communication programs and practices, and a regional communications conference.
Bong and Kane are good friends of mine. I must say that PRSP and IABC are in good hands.