Pies's Monologue: Hard to be a die-hard

It's hard pala to be a die-hard fanatic? But really, I would have some modifications in my opinions had I preferred to speak as a 'neutral' entity.

But right now allow me to be a 'fan.' Just this one, please.

As a fan, I'm hurt because I feel James Yap taking so much of a beating [ever since the scuffle in Yñares last July 9].

Yes, he deserved to be criticized [for his violent reaction]. I have no problems with that but in my heart I'd like to make an appeal to everyone to stop and introspect.

If you were in his shoes, really, would you have done something different?

I mean if yes, good for you. If no, then stop talking. Just stop. Look at the world around you and find other fun ways to spend the day.

That's one.

Two, what he did should not be tolerated. However, it should not also be discussed overwhelmingly in favor or against anyone involved in the event.

In other words, there should be some sort of equality in handling it out but more importantly since I'm silly, I want equality with the 'nit-picking' and 'heckling' part, eh.

Did I hear enough people say, 'Yung animal na Leather na yun dapat hindi lang sipa ang inabot nun, eh'? [That monster deserved more than just a kick!]

Did I hear enough people say, James shouldn't have ran para makita niyang Leather na yan na di papaapi ang mga Pinoy'? […so Leather would realize that Filipinos do not take ill-treatment lightly.]

I mean, I'm not saying James should be applauded for his actions but I think there is insensitivity and lack of empathy here. Pinoy rin yun, eh. [He’s also a Filipino!]

What do we hear, si 'James duwag. Si James ganito, ganyan.' […James is coward. James is this and that.]

It’s a lot better and easier to swallow if these words come from people who has sincere motive to cultivate behavior.

Problem is some people are nitpicking him because they 'like-him-less.' [Read: some]

So, I think it's unfair lang.

I’m just irritated with the name-calling, mud slinging, yung taunting. I mean it's crazy as if he raped somebody. Ang galing ng ibang tao dun, ano? [People are really good at it, aren’t they?]

However, you’re right that we cannot change opinions eh. There will always be people who will continue to criticize and those who will continue to defend him.

Three, he already issued an apology. Though he said something funny like, 'could-take-him-one-on-one,' it does not deserve no more than a 'knowing grin.' But a whole commentary? Masyadong mapagpatol, eh. [There’s a little intolerance and narrow-mindedness here.] It’s like a stand-up comedy where every word is thumped.

With the way things are going, no matter what he says, people will only hear what they want to hear, eh. Believe in what they want to believe in.

But if he lied and said those things to protect his manhood, then let him be because you are supposed to know better, right?

Just give it to him. I’m sure you too will do everything to preserve a little bit of your pride, right? Let’s get real here. Let's not magnify that even more because it makes us shallow also.

Lastly, the guy didn't kill anybody so the issue should not be overly hyped. Like you said there are more important things to talk about like public service or politics?

He should not also be treated as the most horrible in the entire history of sucking.

I mean, let's all move on. It has been a one full week already! We got the entire playoffs to enjoy!

So, these are just some of my thoughts as a fan. I just can't help it because I am a real person who gets hurt.

But I'm standing, we are standing by him because if we won't, who else will?

Fan nga, eh. [That’s why I am a fan.]

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We don't have to agree.
CreativeWork4Purefoods

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.