NLEX deemed it best to help out in relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Odette instead of staging a Christmas party this year.
Head coach Yeng Guiao disclosed that the Road Warriors have decided to donate the funds originally for the celebration, as their own way of aiding those severely affected by the strongest storm of the year.
“Nagbabalak kaming mag-Christmas party ng team. Pero napag-usapan na ‘wag na lang mag-Christmas party,” he said Saturday, moments after his team’s 116-86 win over Terrafirma to go 4-0 in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Whatever we’re going to spend for it, ido-donate na lang namin sa relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Odette. Parang hindi magandang nagsasaya kami, nagpa-party, tapos meron tayong mga kababayan na nahihirapan.”
“It’s our small way para, siguro, makiramay sa mga kababayan natin with of course the permission of our bosses – Boss MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan], Boss Rod Franco, si Boss Luigi Bautista,” the champion mentor added.
The 15th storm to hit the country this year, Odetter has ravaged various parts of Visayas and Mindanao, leaving millions affected. And it unfortunately arrived and wreaked havoc just a week before Christmas.
“Malungkot din kami dahil ‘yung mga kababayan natin sa Visayas at Mindanao, dinaanan ng bagyo,” said the former politician.
NLEX, on the other hand, was looking forward to celebrating, since the ball club wasn’t able to do so last year due to the pandemic. But then, the entire team felt that it’s much more important to extend a helping hand.
“We were looking forward to our Christmas party. Masaya kami mag-Christmas party – two years na kaming hindi nagki-Christmas party. Pero I think mas importanteng tumulong tayo sa panahon ngayon,” he said.
Another way that Guiao and Co. hope to help ease the burden of those hit hard is by offering some entertainment in a manner they know best.
The Road Warriors are part of the December 25 slate at the SMART Araneta Coliseum – the league’s first Christmas Day games in four years.
The league leaders will take on Phoenix Super LPG at 4:00 PM. They serve as the opening act of the 6:00 PM main event pitting defending champions Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia in another Manila Clasico affair.
“Maybe this is also one way to provide some happiness, some entertainment kahit na medyo alam natin nahihirapan sila ngayon.”
