MANILA, Philippines -- Alvin Teng is dealing with mixed emotions after watching his sons give their 100% in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 76 Finals, won by the De La Salle Green Archers, 71-69, in overtime Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alvin has stayed neutral while watching his sons Jeron and Jeric play for La Salle and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), respectively, and admittedly feels torn now that one son has succeeded while the other failed.
Jeron scored 25 points and won Finals Most Valuable Player, while Jeric scored 24 points but came agonizingly short of winning all the marbles in what was his final game in a UST uniform.
"Masayang masaya (ako) at malungkot, dahil unang-una, si Jeric, nakaka-awa din dahil gusto niyang mag-champion, tapos natalo. Ganyan talaga ang buhay 'di ba, hindi naman pwede na dalawa ang mag-champion," said Alvin after the game.
He added that the three-game series was tough for the family, especially his wife, Susan.
"Ang hirap, dahil parang hindi ka masyadong makapag-cheer sa mga anak mo, dahil dalawang anak mo naglalaro, tapos both teams halos kaibigan ko. Ang hirap," he said.
"Ang nangyari, naging neutral muna kami. Kahit sinong manalo, ayun, good luck sa kanila," he added. "At least buti na lang natapos na rin. Kasi ang nangyari nga, ang sabi baka ma-postpone dahil bumagyo. Eh 'yung misis ko nga, nagkakasakit na dahil stressed na stressed."
"Ganoon din ako, nagi-isip din ako, 'Sino ba talaga ang magcha-champion?' Hindi ko rin alam dahil parehong anak ko gustong mag-champion."
But Alvin, known as "Robocop" during his PBA days, also feels immense pride after seeing both sons give it their all in a game that was watched by a record crowd of 23, 396.
"Masayang masaya ako dahil 'yung laro ng magkapatid, binigay nila 'yung 100% nila," he said.
"Sayang dahil last year na ni Jeric, sana nakatikim siya ng championship. Pero nangyari na eh, so bawi na lang siguro sa susunod," he added. "Pareho sila na gusto mag-champion eh. Kung pwede nga, bibilhan ko na lang sila ng sarili nilang medal."
On social media, both Jeric and Jeron praised each other for a battle well fought.
"Congrats to DLSU. They played really well. And congrats to Jeron for getting the Finals MVP. You deserve it," tweeted Jeric, adding the hashtag "#proudbrother."
Meanwhile, Jeron tweeted: "Props also to my brother Jeric for playing whole-heartedly for UST! For me he's more deserving to be the Finals MVP!"
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
