Chris Tiu excited about impending fatherhood

CHRIS with wife Clarisse

IN THIS basketball-crazy country, PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) cagers like Chris Tiu are worshipped like movie stars. The former Ateneo star player, who is matinee idol material, is in a euphoric mood these days.

His team, Rain or Shine (ROS), bagged the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship. He’s also going to be a father any day now. He and his fab wife, Clarisse, are expecting a baby girl. The hardcourt heartthrob is all set to be an MVP—Most Valuable Papa.

What made ROS clinch the championship?

We owe it to the perseverance and maturity of the team. The team is selfless and hardworking. We took advantage of the opportunities provided by coach Yeng (Guiao).

Are you still entertaining thoughts of retiring from the PBA?

My teammates and I will try to win more championships. I’ll let the existing contract lapse—it ends next year. I’m having fun, anyway, and I’ve found a way to fulfill my other commitments despite the team’s existing schedule.

What excites you about fatherhood?

There’ll be another person in this world I can show my love to!

What scares you about fatherhood?

Sleepless nights—and teenage boys trying to court my baby girl when she becomes a teener.

What’s your unsolicited advice to incoming President Duterte concerning sports?

Let’s create widespread grassroots programs to spur interest and development. This is also good for drug prevention. Let’s also provide ample financial support for our national athletes, so we can regain our rightful ranking, at least in Southeast Asia first.

What kind of dad will you be?

Strict yet compassionate—but that’s easier said than done.

What makes your marriage with Clarisse work?

It’s being strengthened by patience and understanding. We laugh, pray and do fun things together.

Tell us the latest about your business ventures.

We have good teams running our Happy Lemon, Eric Kayser and Pepper Lunch stores. And I’ve been busy with projects involving renewable energy.

What’s your advice to Gilas Pilipinas as it embarks on the Olympics qualifier games?

Utilize maximum energy and intensity while playing smart. We need great execution on offense to generate good shots.

What’s the best and toughest part of being Chris Tiu?

The best thing is I’m surrounded by people who bring me closer to God. The worst is I put a lot of pressure on myself.

Personal

Hello to Rolando Olanio, Ronnie de Asis and the rest of Batch ’79 of Mariano Marcos High School.