My Ultimate Crush: Richard Anthony Mora Ticzon

Being the daughter of a former college (Letran) varsity basketball player, I was introduced to the game at an early age, even though I am a GIRL. My father taught me the basics, I even played a little but I never excelled (because I am not a natural athlete like my father!) And because of basketball, I met the guy of my dreams. Meet Richie Ticzon, point guard.

Yes, I will and can do anything for this guy. Its like, if I had a boyfriend or a husband even, and he asks me to marry him or just go out, I'd definitely drop everything and anything for him. Waaaahhhh...

My addiction for him is beyond words. Imagine a 14 - year old girl, screaming at the top of her lungs, seated at the opponent's section (the opponent being the well-loved and ever popular never-say-die Ginebra), cheering on one of the smallest men on the basketball floor. He was with Purefoods then, and I'd bug my father to take me to watch every game they play. Even on weekdays, I'd be absent (half - day) or hurry off to Cuneta Astrodome after school. I even bought the "yearbook" of the PBA whenever he was there. I had the keychain that had his signature on it.

But why on earth did I like him? Like I said earlier, its beyond words, its way beyond my comprehension (I feel stupid now thinking that I had this fascination for this guy). All I can remember was he was a graduate of Ateneo (making him intelligent and rich), he had a GREAT reputation when he played in the UAAP, and he was so darn cute! I liked him from the very first day I laid eyes on him (stalker - like na ba?)!

Sidenote lang....

People from my generation can probably relate to this, every person I know who followed PBA were rooting for the nation's team, Ginebra. This was a golden era of the PBA.. way before Alaska mastered the triangle offense, way before the league was dominated by Fil - Ams, way before Jaworski Sr was a senator, way before there are so many teams in the PBA. Now, I seldom watch games. I could not even say which player is with team now! hahaha... I don't think I'll be as passionate because I am so disappointed with the number of foreigners playing for the league. They could not make it in their country, so they traced their roots here, and played. Oh well, I do hope they really are Filipinos.