By Waylon Galvez
Several players from the PBA have joined forces to provide disinfectants to local government units and financial aid to game day crew of the league’s TV production.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard LA Tenorio said alcohol bottles will be distributed in Pasig City and that another batch of disinfectant is expected to arrive this week for distribution elsewhere.
From top left, Ginebra's LA Tenorio, Magnolia's Paul Lee and Marc Pingris, Ginebra's Scottie Thompson, former Talk N Text guard and now Alab Pilipinas coach Jimmy Alapag, Rain or Shine's Gabe Norwood, TNT's Jayson Castro, Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar, former Ginebra player Jayjay Helterbrand, Ginebra's Mark Caguioa, Rain or Shine's Beau Belga, NLEX's Kiefer Ravena, Rain or Shine's James Yap and San Miguel Beer's June Mar Fajardo. (Photos screengrabbed from LA Tenorio's IGTV @la_tenorio)
“Nag-order ako ng mga alchohol para ipamigay dito sa Pasig City, tapos merong parating ako bukas mga alchohol din para naman sa Cainta kasi nag-request sa akin si Matt Nieto,” said Tenorio.
Nieto, together with his brother Mike, gave away disinfectants and face masks in their hometown.
Last week, Tenorio – together with other players – posted a video through his Instagram as they belted lines from one of the hit songs of the late Michael Jackson, ‘Heal The World’.
Also on the music video were fellow Ginebra players Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Mark Caguioa, Magnolia’s Paul Lee and Marc Pingris, James Yap, Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Jayson Castro of TNT KaTropa, NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena and June Mar Fajardo or San Miguel Beer.
Tenorio’s former Ginebra teammate Jayjay Helterbrand, as well as onetime Gilas backcourt partner Jimmy Alapag, also took part in the video that has now reached more than 22,000 views and 4,000 likes.
The players, according to Tenorio, made their respective donations.
Aside from the disinfectants, Tenorio said that they also plan to give financial assistance to some 100 per game TV crew – cameraman, audio man and technical staff. The veteran player said these individuals only get paid every game day of the pro league.
“With regards naman dun sa (cash) donations, kaming mga players nag-donate naman din kami sa TV production team. Madami kasi din sa kanila daily wager,” Tenorio said.