BARANGAY Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio is PBA's Mr. Ironman, earning the accolade for his record streak of games played.
And he's raring to stretch it once PBA play resumption is given the approval by the government.
But not too many know he should have not been a court warrior but a man of God herding a flock.
"Ang totoo nyan Bosconian ako. Pumasok ako Don Bosco Makati noong elementary, dahil gusto kong mag-pari," said Tenorio recalling his family's desire for him to become a priest.
But a laughable mishap changed his direction, leading to a successful turn to basketball.
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"Nag-serve ako sa simbahan," said Tenorio, remembering his time as a sacristan in his YouTube venture (DLaZYRoadTrip) with celebrity friends Zanjoe Marudo and Yubs Azarcon.
"Tumigil ako kasi may nangyari. Simbang Gabi, bisperas, nakalimutan ko ang sutana ko sa bahay. Pagpunta ko sa bihisan, sa sacristy, kumuha na lang ako ng sutana doon. Eh ang haba ng nakuha kong sutana, dala ko ang crucifix. Umabot naman ako sa gitna at noon ko naapakan yung sutana, plakda ako, at tawanan ang tao," he shared.
"Doon na natapos ang pagiging sacristan ko. Napahiya ako, tumigil na ako," he added.
Priesthood's loss was basketball's gain.
"Madali lang kasi (to play basketball). Lalabas ka lang ng bahay, pwede ka na maglaro. At lahat, nagba-basketball. Kung di basketball, takbuhan sa labas," said Tenorio, who started playing the game at age six.
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After a brief stop at Adamson in high school, he went to San Beda where he shone as a Red Cub before moving to Ateneo for college ball.
And, as they say, the rest is history. (SB)
