The PBA’s Ironman continues to live up to his nickname.
From his college days, playing point guard for the Ateneo Blue Eagles all the way to the pros, directing the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as a veteran floor general, LA Tenorio has never backed down from a challenge. Against bigger guys, he found ways to score. Against more athletic opposition, he used smarts to succeed. Even before he became part of Ginebra, Tenorio was already displaying the never-say-die spirit.
Since he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer last March, that never-say-die attitude hasn’t waivered one bit. Always, upbeat, always positive, the eight-time PBA champion has always looked forward to his return to action. Nothing has changed as he continues to undergo chemotherapy in Singapore every two weeks. On Tuesday, the four-time PBA Finals MVP went on Instagram to give an update on his road to recovery.
Posing for the camera beside a medical staffer at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital–Orchard, Tenorio thanked his Tito Arben and Celda Santos, a couple who has been by his side since his high school days, for continuous support. As usual, he expressed himself with glee and undeniable positivity.
“Thank you Tito Arben and Tita @celdasan for being part of this journey,” the 38-year-old PBA legend wrote.
“Thank you for the love and care not only for me, but for my whole family.”
Even amid adversity, Tenorio was already thinking of others. The love he received from the Santos family has inspired him to give back to those who might be in need of his assistance. That isn’t surprising coming from a true leader like the Gineral.
“I always know, that your generosity, your kindness and care are something my heart knows I have to pay it forward. And actually, I hope I am and have been doing so.”
Last March, San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua revealed that LA has been targeting a PBA return this October. With the resilience that Tenorio has been displaying, we’re not counting out that he might actually do it. Like the 10-time PBA All-Star himself, his fans should remain high-spirited.