Beyond the Game

Legendary PBA coach Dante Silverio continues to call the shots at 86

By Brian Yalung

For basketball fans of today, only a handful may remember Dante Silverio, an iconic coach back in the 70s. But for those who do recall the Toyota bench tactician, his accomplishments in the basketball scene are notable.

That includes winning five PBA titles when he was calling the shots for Toyota. More significantly, one of those titles was won when the pro league started in 1975.

Decades have passed and only a few have kept tabs on the glamorous bench tactician. But one thing is for sure. Silverio continues to call the shots differently, making sure that his former players are around each time a special occasion is set.

Also known as “Osbok,” Silverio celebrated his 86th birthday last October 16 at a lounge in Makati. It was a private function where a lot of familiar faces came to celebrate with the former coach and racing champion on his very special day.

Among those in attendance were Silverio’s former stalwarts. That included Virgilio “Gil” Cortez, the 1976 PBA Rookie of the Year, Francis “Mr. Clutch” Arnaiz, Emerito Legaspi, Edward Camus, Pol Herrera, Ulysees Rodriguez, Ed Cordero, Ompong Segura and Nicanor Bulaong.

“Nag iba-ibang teams man kami, yung bonding at samahan namin andyan pa rin. Hindi mawawala. That’s how Osbok is. He has always been a good friend to everybody. You can never say no pag nag invite siya,” Cortez said.

Aside from former Toyota players, also present was former Shell coach Arlene Rodriguez. The night got even more colorful with former PBA player, Rosalio “Yoyong” Martirez, making a surprise appearance that made the occasion even more cheerful.

“Si coach Dante, naalala ko yan. Maliksi yan. Malusog yan at mapagbigay yan. Pagdating ko dito, niyakap kaagad ako… Ang wish ko sa kanya ay biyayain pa siya ng maraming, maraming taon ng kalusugan kasi maraming nagmamahal sa kanya,” the former basketball player turned actor said.

ARNAIZ AND BULAONG MAKE A RARE APPEARANCE

While most of those present were regulars in the past Toyota reunions, it was Arnaiz and Bulaong who were the new faces in the Toyota mix.

Arnaiz has been in town since October and plans to stay until December for the planned grand Toyota-Crispa reunion.

Aside from that, the man who is best known as Robert Jaworski’s backcourt partner, is planning to show off his creative side with an art exhibit although an official date for that has yet to be announced.

“It’s really special. It’s been 50 years since I met Dante [Silverio]. 50 years later we are still celebrating his life. We used to celebrate championships and everything right? But lahat yan, it all passes away. But he still gathers us together to celebrate life,” the 72-year-old retired player said.

“It’s not about age. It’s about life, how you live it. He is a perfect example of how to live a joyful life,” Arnaiz added.

Arnaiz was also asked for his opinion on how he and his former Toyota comrades were able to stay together and in contact. The former Toyota and Gilbey’s Gin player credited Silverio for all of it.

“There has to be a head. Imagine an orchestra, there has to be a conductor that keeps you together. And that’s Dante. He’s always kept that spirit alive. It’s more than just a team, more than a name. It’s more like family. So if you want to know the secret, I guess that’s him. He keeps us together,” Arnaiz stated.

As for Bulaong, the former player has been keeping a low profile. After playing for Toyota and Beer Hausen, Bulaong was supposed to suit up for Ginebra after being taken in by Jaworski. Unfortunately, a knee injury prevented that from happening and forced him to abruptly retire.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR OSBOK

With his family, former players and friends on hand for his birthday, coach Dante Silverio couldn’t ask for more.

Showing his usual grace, Silverio was the same ever-gracious host who made sure that everyone was attended to in an evening that gave everyone a chance to chat about fond memories down memory lane aside from fine dining, drinking and dancing.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you for gracing this very special evening to celebrate a very important date of my life. I love you all,” Silverio said.