I’ve always had a slight aversion to adopting a first-person voice in my articles. Yet, for this particular piece, I found it fitting to make an exception.
Although this marks my debut column for Tiebreaker Times, it carries a deeper significance. It’s a tribute to someone who has profoundly influenced my career as a journalist.
The name Bill Velasco requires no introduction; he stands as a pillar within Philippine sports media. He is known widely as a distinguished play-by-play anchor for major sporting events, one of the hosts of the longest-running sports magazine show “Hard Ball,” a co-author of the best-selling “50 Greatest Filipino Athletes of All-Time” hardcover, and the insightful mind behind “The Game of My Life” column on the Philippine Star.
For me, he’s more than just a respected figure; he’s been a guiding mentor. I vividly recall the first time I met Bill, amidst the bustle of the Araneta Coliseum during a pro wrestling event in 2012. At that time, I was still a college student, serving as the editor-in-chief of The Bedan — San Beda University’s official publication. It was a surreal moment, having grown up watching him.
However, it was six years later that I truly got to know him on a personal level when I appeared as a guest on Hard Ball. Alongside the late Boyet Sison, Bill made me feel at ease as if I belonged in their world. All I had ever wanted was an opportunity to be heard on a mainstream platform, a dream nurtured since childhood while mimicking the great sports commentators like Bill, Chino Trinidad, Jim Lampley, and Jim Ross.
Little did I know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a mentorship that would shape my journalistic journey. Gradually, Bill took me under his wing. I had the privilege of learning the nuances of storytelling and the art of engaging an audience.
In 2021, Bill enlisted me for several projects, including Team Pilipinas on PTV 4 and the daily Round By Round online boxing show.
Our bond extended beyond professional endeavors. Behind his towering stature and serious demeanor, I discovered a kindred spirit in Bill — someone who shared my passion for pop culture and even the quirkiest hobbies like toy collecting. Even during downtime, our communication remained vibrant, often sharing hilarious clips on social media.
Together with our colleagues Glenmarc Antonio and Jerry Rosales, plans were underway for a broadcasting seminar in Cebu, aimed at mentoring 50 selected students who are in training as journalists to cover the Palarong Pambansa this July.
However, during our Zoom meeting last March 17, I noticed Bill’s deteriorating health as he struggled to complete sentences due to persistent coughing. He confided in us about feeling unwell and experiencing difficulty breathing, prompting his admission to Manila Doctors Hospital two days later.
On the evening of March 19, I received a call from Bill. Unlike his usual robust self, he sounded weary, informing me of his transfer to intensive care due to an erratic heart rate and low blood pressure.
The gravity of Bill’s situation became more apparent when I received a call from his partner, Kei, the following day. She relayed the distressing news of Bill’s critical condition, with his heart functioning at a mere 20% capacity, necessitating ventilator support. Subsequent medical examinations revealed severe inflammation and weakness in his heart.
As of the latest update, Bill responds positively to treatment, albeit still reliant on intubation. His responsiveness through gestures and smiles provides a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing battle. However, the road to recovery remains uncertain, accompanied by significant financial burdens for his family due to escalating medical expenses.
In moments like these, I feel powerless. But at the same time, I find solace in the lessons Bill taught me — particularly, the importance of telling a compelling story. So here I am, sharing his story and rallying support for a man who selflessly passed the ball and encouraged me to run with it.
I once dreamed of the life I’m living now, and Bill played an instrumental role in making that dream a reality. When no one else believed in me, he opened doors and welcomed me in without hesitation.
As he faces the toughest game of his life, I’ll calmly wait on the sidelines until the final buzzer to give him the biggest high five of all.
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