Manong Chavit’s love affair with sports remains

He might have decided to maintain a lower profile, but don’t expect Luis “Manong Chavit” Singson to turn his back on one facet of his life that he loves the most.

Singson, who has decided to bow out of the race for a Senate seat, would still be involved in sports.

In fact, he will remain as the manager of unbeaten Filipino fighter Charly Suarez, who is on the verge of a shot at a world title, someone the longtime Ilocos-born politician and businessman had vowed to help without asking anything in return.

“I agreed to be his manager but I made it clear to him that I won’t take a single centavo from his earnings,” said Singson, showing his genuine heart for Filipino athletes.

Despite deciding to withdraw, Singson still feels he managed to get his message across during his many trips around the country, including to several locales and far-flung areas candidates like him usually avoid.

“I already felt a winner (after making the rounds in the country the past few months),” said Singson, who once presided over the affairs of the Philippine national Shooting Association apart from taking a vital role in eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao’s affairs.

A few months ago, Singson felt it was right to reach out to the family of Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo.

Singson believed Yulo, who was one of the strong candidates for DAILY TRIBUNE’s Filipino of the Year, did wrong in treating his parents and other family members following his breakthrough Olympic performance.

Awash with cash from the government and private sector, Yulo opted to stick it out with his girlfriend rather than reunite with his family, something that didn’t sit well with a well-known family man like Singson.

Guided by one of the guidelines of the Ten Commandments, Singson paid the Yulos a visit and handed out an early Christmas present.

He had also promised to give the same to the celebrated gymnast provided that he patches things up with his parents.

Up to this day, the cash remains unclaimed, leaving Singson with no choice but to set it aside, hoping that Yulo finally has a change of heart.

Now that he has withdrawn, Singson should find himself being approached by other athletes seeking to get his fatherly advice and guidance.

You just can’t blame Singson for being the go-to guy of people who have become desperate and hopeless.

The man simply lives up to his promise.

May isang salita.