ARWIND Santos looked back at his humble beginnings as the San Miguel franchise formally retired his jersey number 29 on Wednesday night.
The 42-year-old forward recalled how as a youngster he would do odd jobs just to help the family have food on its table.
"Ang dating Arwind Santos talaga ay isang nagbabakal-bote lang dati, nag-eending, nag-jujueteng, nagtitinda diyan sa kalye, nangungutang sa kapitbahay. Sobrang daming pinag-daanan sa buhay," he said during his short speech during the simple awarding rite at halftime of the PBA Philippine Cup game between San Miguel and Blackwater.
"Isa yun sa naging dahilan para magsikap ako."
He did work his way up and eventually become one of the greatest players in San Miguel franchise history.
Sponsored content: Santos became just the seventh Beermen whose jersey was retired by the franchise after four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Yves Dignadice, Olsen Racela, and the late Samboy Lim.
"Sobrang sarap ng feeling. Biro mo mga legend na yun. Pampito lang ako at iilan lang siya. Kaya hindi ganun kadali i-retire yung jersey. Kasi ako nun gusto ko lang makakuha ng panalo, mag-champion, makakuha ng magandang buhay sa ngalan ng basketball. Hindi nga pumasok sa isip ko na pati yung opportunity na ito puwede ko palang ma-achieve pa at ibinigay sa akin," said the 2013 league MVP.
In a career that spanned 17 years, the 6-foot-4 pride of Pampanga won a total of nine championships all with the SMB franchise, two finals MVP, two All-Star MVP, and two Best Player of the Conference awards. He was a 12-time All-Star, 10-time Mythical First Team member, two-time Mythical Second Team awardee, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and eight-time All-Defensive Team member.
"Kaya andito ako at nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat. Gusto ko lang sabihin na kahit anuman ang posisyon mo sa buhay, kaya ninyo rin po kung anuman ang natupad ko, kung anuman ang naabot ko. Depende na lang yan kung paano ninyo ito aabutin," said Santos.
Present during the awarding ceremony were Arwind's wife Ivette and their five children.
Sponsored content: San Miguel management led by Sports Director Alfrancis Chua and team governor Robert Non joined Commissioner Willie Marcial in presenting Santos his framed red and black no. 29 jersey along with a basketball encased in a glass frame, a team cap, and a special Beerman jacket.
The entire San Miguel team also celebrated with Santos, who made special mention to his 'Death Five' teammates June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot.(RG)
