LA Tenorio on being cancer-free

LA Tenorio —CONTRIBUTED photos

LA Tenorio is living up to his PBA moniker, Iron Man. After his six-month battle with stage 3 colon cancer, the Ginebra star cager is now in remission. Just as the mantra of his team goes, “Never Say Die,” LA’s fighting spirit made him conquer the Big C.

The PBA veteran was part of the coaching staff of Gilas Pilipinas at the Asian Games in China. His triumph over cancer and Gilas’ victory reaffirms what a champ he truly is.

Here’s my chat with LA:

Tell us a bit about your journey to recovery

The mental aspect was harder than the physical. But being a PBA player helped because as a pro-cager, I have been trained to be mentally tough. It was my unwavering faith in God and my incredible support system that saw me through it. Aside from my family, different groups of friends accompanied me on each trip to Singapore for my chemo sessions. I didn’t want my friends to take pity on me, so I carried on as if I had no illness. I kept myself busy and stayed positive.

How does it feel to be back in action?

After seven months of not playing basketball, I feel like a rookie who’s eager to step on the court and do what I love most.

What’s your advice to those battling the Big C?

Don’t wallow in self-pity and don’t lose hope. Always focus on your purpose in life to keep you going.

How did you help motivate the players of Gilas to clinch gold?

Since they know what I’ve been through because of cancer, I’m happy that my presence during the games inspired them somehow. I told them that they will never know what will happen tomorrow, so they should not waste the opportunity now that they’re part of the national team. To enjoy the experience, instead of feeling pressured.

Is Tim Cone a better coach for Gilas than Chot Reyes?

It’s unfair to compare because when Chot was the coach during Fiba and Tim coached at the Asian Games, it was a different batch of players and opponents. Besides, we’re all brothers at Gilas, so no matter who the coach is, we share the glory. Tim’s victory is Chot’s as well and vice versa.

Are you game to join show biz when you retire from PBA?

Maybe for fun, if it’s a project with any of my close friends, Zanjoe Marudo, Billy Crawford or John Lloyd Cruz. I’m so thankful to Zanjoe for joining me in Singapore twice for my treatments.

Ataska —VIVAMAX

Four-part erotic anthology

“Halo-Halo X,” a mouth-watering erotic anthology, is now streaming on Vivamax directed by Roman Perez Jr.

The four-part series begins with “Extra Rider,” starring Victor Relosa, Denise Esteban, Audrey Avila and Yda Manzano. It’s about a rider who offers “extra service” to augment his income. So, whatever the gender, he can pretend to be their lover.

“Lucy Dreaming,” the second episode starring Micaella Raz, Rash Flores and Andrea Garcia, is about a woman who falls for her brother-in-law and how they carry on with their dangerous liaison while living together with the guy’s wife.

In Episode 3, “Surveillance,” Jela Cuenca and Benz Sangalang put a different spin to adultery.

“Grade Conscious,” the final episode starring Ataska, Aerol Carmelo and Aiko Garcia, is about a girl going so low to achieve the highest honors.

Let “Halo Halo X” satisfy all your cravings.

Here are quotes from Roman (R), Victor (V), Ataska (A) and Benz (B):

R: “Lahat ng bawal masarap” is an apt tagline for our series. It serves as a cautionary tale that too much of anything is harmful. All episodes are based on real-life stories.

V: Direk Roman is my comfort zone. There was a time my plaster came off during a scene, but I didn’t worry because I knew I was in good hands.

A: Our episode has an important message to the youth who are pressured by parents to be overachievers and also to women being pitted against each other.

B: I was an alcoholic before I joined show biz. I realized that we should not give in to temporary pleasure that will cause permanent damage. That’s just like what our series imparts.

R: Not all actors are game to work with me. I heard that Aljur Abrenica and Rose Van Winkel are afraid of me, but I’m open to work with them. I want to be respected instead of feared.

Ruby Ruiz in Vivamax sexy thriller

Be intrigued as delusions and reality collide in “Langitngit” (streaming on Vivamax). Topbilled by Manang Medina, Itan Rosales, Aurora Yumul and Ruby Ruiz, the sexy thriller is directed by Christopher Novabos.

Brace yourself for screaming silence in a film about deep, dark secrets and forbidden pleasures. What you resist will persist.

Here are quotes from Manang (M), Ruby (R), Itan (I) and Christopher (C):

M: Working with Tita Ruby taught me how powerful the eyes can be. She lets her eyes do the talking. Just looking at her eyes motivated me to match her level of acting.

I: Prior to our shoot, I underwent an acting workshop with Tita Ruby. She told me that even if it’s a bit role or a meaty one, I must always take it to heart.

C: Our film starts off as a slow burn. That was intentional in order to build up the tension.

R: It’s my first project for Vivamax. I’ve been recommended in other VM movies, but I wasn’t chosen. Maybe it made Boss Vic curious because my name was always on the list, so they finally got me. He was just being honest when he said that ‘di pa n’ya ko kilala. I want to tell him that I’m game to do sexy scenes, too (laughs).

Ricky Davao

Ricky Davao in ‘Silver Lining’

I am so looking forward to watch “Silver Lining,” the play of my good friend, Ricky Davao, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza Makati. Catch it on Oct. 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. It is a story of rediscovery in two timelines, reliving the turbulent ’70s, as well as understanding the struggles of Gen Z.