Bid farewell to the past year and embrace the new one with your favorite PBA baller, Ginebra veteran guard LA Tenorio.
Year 2024 gave Ginebra superstar LA Tenorio a fresh perspective about life.
After surviving a months-long battle against cancer in 2023, Tenorio is keeping things simple: value what each day brings as he treasures the presence of his family.
The floor general shared that and more in a chat with One Sports.
One Sports: What would you say is your greatest achievement in 2024?
LA Tenorio: My greatest achievement is really, for me, I still get to play at this level. Honestly, it’s a great blessing for me to still compete at this level and, at the same time, have the opportunity also to guide the younger players. For me, 'yun 'yung biggest achievement ko ngayong 2024. More than my health, it is really guiding younger players, na maibigay ko kung anong mga knowledge ko, especially with our team.
A lot of learnings also, not only in basketball, but in life. In basketball, marami akong natututunan kahit 'di ako naglalaro. Marami akong natututunan watching the young players playing and talking to some coaches and, of course, coach Tim (Cone). Marami akong natututunan.
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OS: What’s the greatest lesson you learned in 2024?
LA: Just to not take things for granted. Just treat every day like it’s another blessing, another opportunity na maraming matutunan, maraming makilalang tao. And to be an inspiration to a lot of people. I think, every day, when I wake up, 'yun 'yung gusto kong gawin. I think that’s the biggest achievement and biggest lesson na natututunan ko everyday. Marami akong natututunan by talking to a lot of people, guiding a lot of people and being an inspiration to a lot of people.
OS: What are your goals for 2025?
LA: Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. Katulad ngayon, I do it one day at a time. Gusto ko, every day, marami akong natututunan. Ang mga natututunan ko, dadalhin ko the next day. Kung ano mang mayrooon ako in 2025, I think, for me, anything can happen. I take it one day at a time. Of course, gusto kong positive ang pasok ng 2025. 'Yun naman ang hiling nating lahat. But who knows? I just do it one day at a time. Ganoon lang ako mag-isip ngayon.
OS: Is there any tradition you and your family do on New Year’s Eve?
LA: Just be with my family. 'Yun lang talaga ako. Even Christmas and New Year. For me, it’s family, more so now, after what happened to me. Family is the greatest gift, and greatest na magagawa ko during the holidays. Kasi bibihira kami magkaroon ng holiday. Even Christmas nga may game kami. Even in the Holy Week, on Easter Sunday, we have to play. And then Friday, we have to practice. So 'yung mga ganoong moments, 'yun 'yung napakaimportante para sa pamilya. So ibinibigay ko 'yun para sa pamilya ko.
[ALSO READ: LA Tenorio is new head coach for Gilas Pilipinas Youth]
OS: Do you have any New Year’s resolution?
LA: So far, wala. Just stay healthy, 'yun lang.