The better man

I was scanning through the post at MYPBA and this one thread topic caught my attention.

Of course we all know what happened last July 9 involving James Yap and Terrence Leather. There are a bunch of articles available on the Internet to document that.

It was an ugly sight. It was frustrating but as a fan, don’t expect me to let go of my support with James Yap.

Anong silbi nun, di ba? Anong silbi ko?

So one forumer said [or I believed have said] that James apology was ‘half-baked’ and less-than-honorable.

In James’ defense, this was my reply:

Beth Celis is right, it's more like a damn if you do, damn if you don't situation for James Yap. I'm referring to the 'explanation' part.

If he didn't issue an apology, I doubt if he'll ever be forgiven. And now that he did, he's being nitpicked even more.

Really, you can't please everybody.

Half-baked or not, I still give him the benefit of doubt. It's not as if what he did jeopardizes national security and besides, I would've said the same things just to save my face. That's the truth.

Who wouldn't, anyway?

Robots maybe, worse, hypocrites.

Writers are picking this story up because it was James Yap who is involved, one of the most popular players in the entire PBA universe. And it'll continue to be picked-up regardless whether the guy explained or not. Why? Simply because the story 'sells.'

It's exciting everyone because there's a famous public property right there who again failed to live up to our expectations. Great!

Try that with some other guys and for sure the story will die a natural death.

There is no public service in this, just entertainment at the expense of somebody whom we expect to be perfect.

They talk about being fair, well, they can always get the side of Leather. Instead of nitpicking Quinito, why don't they pick up Leather and enlighten us with what he had to say.

Maybe he'll say, 'Man I'm surprised he kicked me and ran... I was only about to give him a hug, really man!'

Maybe that would sound more pleasing, more sincere, more like a man.

Or maybe even more BELIEVABLE?

I'm sure were all dying to hear his side, so why won't you?

I maybe shoving my foot in the mouth but me sometimes think that the guy deserved more than a kick in the butt. Drastic situations call for drastic actions.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not licking James Yap's ass. I'm simply saying this issue was unreasonably blown out of proportion. Some people are simply over-reacting as if James killed somebody.

He made a mistake. Agreed.
He should be penalized. Agreed.
He embarrassed himself. Agreed.
He's trying to save his face. Agreed.

But does he deserve to be singled-out and 'crucified?'

Last time I checked St. Peter denied ever knowing Jesus so he would live. Such a naughty act from a would-be saint, wasn't it?

Well, he who does not sin cast the first stone.

Bakit ganito tayong mga Pilipino, ano? [Why are we Filipinos like this?]

If one person does something less-than-honorable we tend to lift ourselves higher than him and say, ‘we could’ve done better.’ Or more like, ‘I am better.’

What makes us think we know better when we can only just watch and stare?

I believe we don’t have any right to do that.

It is wrong to judge the choice that other people make just so we would have something to talk about for the whole day.

I believe in criticisms, but only those which are solicited and those which are constructive.

I know that solicited criticisms are the ones that can make us better. They are a lot easier to take and appreciate.

That is our choice and privilege as private citizens.

But for celebrities, they don’t have that choice.

They are subject for public scrutiny. They cannot curve public opinion in their favor no matter what they do.

They just have to learn to take the jab.

It’s a tough thing to do especially if you’re living in a society where damn if you do,
damn if you don’t.

For James it's another reminder how exasperating it would be to please the audience and stay free of flaws.

It's a reality that he needs to accept as a superstar.

We can always say to him that people are jealous of fame but at the end of the day he'll decide whether to be made or broken by it.

I just hope next time, he'll be the better man.

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We don't have to agree.