Tenorio is returning to the court with a purpose.
LA Tenorio has always been an inspiration to Filipino hoopers given his proven leadership and stacked accolades.
His battle against colon cancer, however, has likely made him a bigger role model in the eyes of Filipino fans—something that Tenorio himself acknowledged as he overcomes cancer and now prepares for a comeback with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
"Now, I am returning to basketball. For my love of the game. This time with a higher purpose," Tenorio wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Not as the old LA, but hopefully with the new and better version of myself,” he added.
Tinyente is responding to the call head on.
“I hope I can help inspire people through the game of basketball—that life, winning battles, winning championships—are all more meaningful not because of the end goal but because of the journey,” he added.
The road to recovery was not an easy one for Tenorio.
In his post, the Gineral looked back on the eight challenging months and 12 chemotherapy sessions he had to endure in order to fight off cancer.
Tenorio said first knew of the tumor in his colon back in February, but announced it late March during Barangay Ginebra's PBA Governor's Cup campaign.
“My journey— from tests, the surgery, the official diagnosis, to the 12 sessions of chemotherapy—was an experience, I will never forget. It’s the kind that marks us and gives us a different perspective in life,” said Tenorio.
On Tuesday, September 19, Tenorio’s last scan finally showed that he was in remission. PBA players and former teammates of LA have already shared their excitement to seeing the 39-year-old guard back on the court.
Tenorio also thanked the people who stayed by his side every step of the way—from family, to friends and teammates.
Now, he is ready to enter the next chapter of his life. First on this to-do list: serve as an assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games.
(GM)