Chris Tiu nixes retirement plan

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) almost lost one of its most popular cagers, Chris Tiu of Rain or Shine (ROS) team. Good thing the hardcourt heartthrob did not push through with his plan to retire from the professional league. Amid the hustle and bustle on the court, Chris’ angelic face is such a refreshing sight. While other players look so worn out already, Chris still looks neat and cool. Fresh from his family vacation in Scotland and Iceland, he is raring to play his heart out.

Chris knows that I am close to another cager, James Yap. When ROS beat James’ team, Purefoods, at PBA’s opening salvo, Chris texted me that James played well. And when James was named Best Player of the Game last Oct. 25, Chris texted me again: “Congrats to James.”

What a gentleman the former Ateneo star player truly is! May it take many more PBA seasons before he decides to “Chris” the league goodbye.

What made you change your mind about retiring from the PBA?

I am having fun with my team, ROS, and I had a good talk with my family about extending my PBA contract for another year. Moreover, basketball is a powerful tool, not just for entertainment but for inspiring the youth and promoting good values.

Any incentive from ROS that made you decide to stay put with the team?

The major selling point is the good relationship with the owners, management and team members. We are lucky to be part of this fair and fun organization.

CHRIS Tiu and wife Clarisse in Scotland

What kind of Chris Tiu will we see in this PBA season?

I am more confident this year because I’ve adjusted to the coaching style of Yeng Guiao. Let’s pray for an injury-free season.

Which is the hardest PBA team to beat?

For this season, I would say Alaska, Ginebra, Talk ’n Text and San Miguel.

What are some changes you wish would be implemented in the PBA?

The new PBA commissioner has adopted some changes like the “no holding and no hand check rule.” Now, players can show their skill more and hopefully [there will be] less fights and injuries.

In your book, who’s the best PBA player of all time?

Point guards, Johnny Abarrientos, Jimmy Alapag and Olsen Racela.

What’s your advice to your fellow Atenean who got suspended from the Ateneo basketball team due to a road rage incident?

To stay strong. We all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from them and not repeat them. He is young and has his entire lifetime ahead of him. Most importantly, talk to God and find strength in Him.

How did it feel like guarding Manny Pacquiao on the hardcourt during your game last Oct. 25?

Sometimes, I don’t know how to play [against him] … whether to be aggressive or not. He’s an icon, congressman and a friend. But our coach instructed us to treat every player the same way. I’m part of history now because Manny scored his first field goal as a pro against me in our match last Sunday. (Laughs.)

Tell us about your restos.

In Happy Lemon, we will be launching new drinks and dishes.

Eric Kayser has been well-received and we hope to educate more Pinoys about French breads and pastries.

Urban Pantry in Promenade Greenhills is my wife Clarisse’s project. They sell carefully curated local homemade food items, bottled goodies, sauces, frozen meat products, etc. (Instagram: @urbanpantryph)

Opening soon in Promenade is Tuan Tuan. We will be serving pork buns, noodle soup and curry dishes from Vancouver.

How do you handle victory and defeat?

In victory, I try to be humble and not be complacent. Instead, it inspires me to work harder and get better. In defeat, I analyze what went wrong and work on how I can improve my game. Until now, I don’t take defeat very well.

Another record breaker

ALDEN Richards

The whole nation got “AlDubified,” watching “Eat Bulaga’s” record-breaking “Sa Tamang Panahon” special on Saturday.

The time was definitely right and the hottest love team, AlDub, was ripe to take a big step closer to forever.

To complete the fairy tale, Alden Richards brought 36 Ecuadorian red roses ordered from Petalier (Instagram: @petalier). The floral arrangement for Yaya Dub, which is called “Chloe,” cost P9,000. The online flower shop offers unique creations that come in beautiful handcrafted boxes. All their roses are imported from Ecuador.

Everything’s coming up roses for AlDub!

Sky’s the limit

ABS-CBN Store offers cool treats to Sky and Destiny Cable subscribers in celebration of Sky’s 25th anniversary. Subscribers nationwide get 15 percent off on all regular-priced items when they shop at the Kapamilya network’s online store, www.abs-cbnstore.com until Nov. 15. It carries souvenirs from shows like “On the Wings of Love” and “Pangako Sa ’Yo,” ABS-CBN Publishing magazines and movie merchandise.

Personal

Happy birthday to my fab friend, Mic Cazzola.