The symbolic significance of the number seven goes way back in the Creation Story when God created the world in seven days and took a breather on the seventh day. The ancient world had the Seven Wonders, and students of antiquity studied the Seven Liberal Arts. Popular culture has James Bond (007), the Seven Dwarves, and Akira Kurosawa’s The Seven Samurai, to name some. Here, in our country, the Ibong Adarna sang seven sweet and sleep-inducing melodies along with the seven wounds that one had to endure to capture the mythical bird. And also, seven is the number to remember for Robert “Sonny” Jaworski and his legend as the consummate Filipino athlete.
Whether it’s printed on his classic Toyota jersey or his playing-coach days with the Ginebra gang, Jawo’s number 7 is already tattooed seamlessly in our consciousness as a basketball-crazy nation. It’s only fitting that his jersey was raised in the rafters at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum last July 8 to the delight of an audience of 15,000; for now, we have his number watching over us.
Jaworski’s PBA career that spanned for 23 years is crammed full of memories opening various viewpoints to the legend that continues up to this day. Born to a Polish-American father and Ilocano mother, Jaworski first showcased his stuff playing for the University of the East Red Warriors as they hauled championships in 1966 and 1967. He then played for Meralco in MICAA (Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association) before the eventual voyage to the PBA maiden cruise ship. The Big J’s style of play is one of grit determination. To dissect him as a basketball player in his position, as point guard, we can see that he was ahead of his time. He had the height, superb passing skills (look out for behind-the-back passes), a silky outside shot, suffocating defense, and above all, the heart that pumped the “J” type blood that was the necessary fuel for his will to win.
Jawo as a uniting figure is also a wellspring of inspiration. He represented the country in various international competitions. One of his most memorable games was the “shut-down” on Korean hotshot-shooter Shing Dong Pa that led to our qualification to the center stage of basketball—the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. He also led the Philippines to podium finishes in FIBA Asia championships and the Asian Games. In short, Jawo’s efficiency as a floor general (he’s the all-time leader in assists) rubbed to his teammates and it was infectious, and this kind of infection lead not to sickness but to won games.
There will never be a Sonny Jaworski, but hopefully, his legend will continue to inspire not just the basketball players of this country, but to all those who continue the struggle of living by the playbook of life as well.
***
Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and convenient travel services that include low-priced airline tickets, customized Philippine and International Tour Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangements to the Filipino-American community in the US Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2-626452). Visit www.mangotours.com to know more about its latest promos and travel offers.
