Former Senator Lorenzo Ta?ada Marks 24th Death Anniversary
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 29 May 2016
Tanada.
Yesterday marked the 24th death anniversary of former Senator Loreno Tanada, acknowledged as the longest-serving member of the Upper House (24 years from 1947 to 1971).
Not known to many, Senator "Tanny" as he was popularly called when he was alive, was a topnotch football player and had, in fact, played for two national teams in the now-defunct Far Eastern Games, forerunner of the now Asian Games.
The late nationalist, thus, became the first Filipino athlete to become senator and proved that sports is not only a vehicle in a nation's efforts to build a strong and healthy citizenry, but a breeding ground as well for future leaders.
That Sen. Tanny's accomplishment in government service was duplicated by basketball luminaries Ambrosio Padilla, Robert Jaworski and Freddie Webb, bowler Tito Sotto and only, recently, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, further attest to the fact that framers of the Philippine Constitution did not err in mandating the government to provide the citizens of an effective sports development program.
Add the names of 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games bronze medalist in high jump Simeon Toribio, who was elected congressman of the second district of Bohol upon retirement from active competitions, Arsenio Lacson, stil up to now as the "Best Mayor" Manila ever had and Caloocan Macario Asistio Sr., among others, to further strengthen the resolve that sports, indeed, plays a major role in developing good leaders.
Still, include quiet a number of athletes who have been and presently serving as congressmen, governors, mayors and even councilors.
Tanada, Philippine Senate's Minority Floor Leader from 1953 to 1957, saw action as a goalkeeper in the Sixth FEG held in Osaka in 1923 and the seventh staging of the tri-nation conclave hosted by Manila in 1925. The Philippines ended up runnerup to eventual football winner China on both occasions.
The Philippines finished second to eventual overall champion Japan in 1923, but came back stronger two years later in their home turf, dropping the Japanese to second overall.
Tanada's teammates in the 1923 PH XI B. Baylon, S. Baylon, Jesus Cui, Jesus Esteva, Rafel Fuentes, Ernesto Hernaez, Joaquin Lopez, German Manzano, Emilo Pacheco, Francisco Quintana, E. V. Sison, Salvador Vallejo and Alberto Vllareal.
Tanada, also a one-time Solicitor General, came back two years later along with Cui, Hernaez, Lopez and Manzano matched the Philippines' second best finish in a teamup with newcomers fellow football greats Sebastian Ugarte and Virgilio Lobregat, Mariano Sangle, Eduardo Yrezabal. Victoriano Bernardo, Y. R. Cartajena, Miguel Diaz, Baldomero Fernandez, Juan Manalac, Felix Pintado, Luis Pradera, Florentino Reyes, Walter Short, Ildefonso Tronqued, lbereto Villareal, Angel Villareal, Fernndo Villareal snd Jose Villareal.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
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