REPUBLIKA GIÑEBRA, A TRIBE OF OUR OWN

By : toteperez, PIO - DAR Sorsogon


Marlboro Country is to the Americans as Barangay Giñebra is to the Filipinos. If Marlboro Country is a representation of the American macho image that conquered and tamed the so-called “savage” native Indians of the Wild West and the corresponding thirst for adventure and supremacy over the elements, Barangay Giñebra is a Filipino projection of a dream community, albeit, diverse and imperfect but conquers insurmountable odds.

It is not certain how Barangay Giñebra came into being. Its coming into existence is spontaneous and the author who coined the name Barangay Giñebra is anonymous strengthening the fact that Barangay Giñebra belongs to every ordinary Filipino. However, the phrase Barangay Giñebra can be attributed to the legion of fans of one, if not, the most popular team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Originally known as Gilbey’s Gin when it joined the league in 1979, the team went through numerous metamorphoses in its professional players and its name. Finally, in 1999, the team was then officially called Barangay Giñebra. Now, Barangay Giñebra did not only denote to the fans of the team, but to the club as well. It is often said that wherever Giñebra plays, they have a homecourt advantage since their fans can compose a barangay. As a professional PBA team, Barangay Giñebra uses the trademark run-and-gun offense, which excites fans during games. Defensively, they are known to play physical, employing a suffocating man-to-man defense. They are also known for their ”never say die” attitude by coming back from deficits during games and upsetting better-ranked teams (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay_Ginebra_Kings).

Being a basketball-crazed nation where you can find an improvised basketball ring/board/ goal or whatever you call it, in almost every street corner, this “Barangay Giñebra” phenomenon may not be anymore a novelty but an articulation of an intrinsic kinship that cuts across social classes and demographics. Proof of this common bond between Barangay Giñebra “citizenry” was exercised when it revealed its potent force through its voting power that catapulted former playing coach Robert Jaworski to gain a senatorial seat in 1998 elections. This is an affirmation that indeed, Barangay Giñebra is now beyond the territorial boundaries of the basketball hardcourts and already penetrated other playing fields like politics and popular culture.

In this present time that Filipinos are bitterly divided politically and in dire need for a unifying consciousness or sense of nationhood, it is interesting to investigate how this Barangay Giñebra reflects as an image of a Filipino virtual nation. A notable and monumental attempt to define who, what, where is Barangay Giñebra was institutionalized by Gary Granada, a talented and respected musician when he composed the songs “Pag Natatalo ang Giñebra (When Giñebra is Losing)” and “Nang Maging Champion Ang Giñebra (When Giñebra Won the Championship) in 1997 that essayed a dialectical perspective, both the positive and the negative “state of affairs” inside the Giñebra “Republic.”

Granada’s Giñebra is disclosed through the eyes of a basketball fanatic who is ever faithful to the team both in triumph and defeat. Examining intently the lyrics however, will reveal a deeper reality reflective of a Filipino society and culture. Granada’s typical Giñebra fan is a cross between a blind follower as pictured in “Natatalo” version, “…sinusundan ko ang bawat laro…” and an open-minded individual who has the capacity to analyze the game in “Champion” version, “…gumaganda na ang bawat laro, di na sila naghihingalo…” This is a very good observation that indeed, for Filipinos to win the “games of life” he must depart from being just a blind – follower of whatever influences he is adhering to but be transformed as a free – thinker who has the capacity to decide for his own fate.

The “Natatalo” version unveiled Filipino’s pseudo – religiosity with the line “…kahit hindi relihiyoso, naalala ko ang mga santo, O San Miguel, Santa Lucia….” Of course, the seemingly saints mentioned are not actually the revered holy icons but actually companies or corporations that maintains their own ball clubs in the PBA league. The “Champion” version is even more interesting, aside from the two “saints” earlier mentioned, it added other corporate names of teams in the league such as Mobiline, Shell, Purefoods, Pop Cola. These can be translated as social commentaries and can be interpreted in two points. First, this could be an articulation of a more diverse spectrum of religious groups that are gaining their own following in the Filipino society that was once dominated by the Catholic Church that are now competing on moral influence and even political (?!) The other point is that; religion is now regarded or relegated as a mere commodity that satisfies a need, or worse, religion is now considered like a business undertaking. But whatever the interpretation maybe, this reality is reflective of a Filipino attitude that indeed, religion plays a major influence in any endeavor.

The Pinoy in “Natatalo” is a typical “usiserong maingay (read : noisy bystander)” aptly described as “….nakikisiksikan…nang–aalaska, nanggugulo pag nagfe-free throw ang katalo.” This illustrates a common Pinoy who is ever – complaining, overly criticizing on state – of – affairs but non – committed, passive and uninvolved to any actions for development or change. However, the Pinoy in the “Champion” version is conversely a reversal of the earlier personality, now the one being maligned and belittled “….barangay na laging kinakawawa.” However, despite the ridicules, this Pinoy is somebody who is unwavering and ever – faithful, for better for worse, and yet, hopeful “…walang kasawa – sawa…sana’y na sa kaaasa, manalo’t matalo ay Ginebra.” Truly, a precise description of Pinoy’s resilience amidst any crises characterized with a spontaneous sense of humor as a way of coping.

The “Natatalo” made a brief comment on media’s role and politicians in our society, “…ang barangay ay nagdiriwang halftime ay kinse ang aming lamang; Cameraman, huwag mo lang kukunan si senador at congressman…” This states the common practice of political personalities taking advantage by riding on to the achievements of common people just to gain positive image with the aid of the media.

Both the two versions are wishful supplications for little relief, a breather on a tight and stifling situation, “…pagbigyan nyo na ako, paminsan-minsan lang ito gumaan an nabibigatang puso….” Yes, Filipinos are still very hopeful despite adverse situations. Good enough we have notable men and women of sports, entertainment and in other fields of interest who provide the urgent wind of fresh air with their triumphs in boxing, scaling the heights, winning competitions. Their achievements regain respect to our race and allow us to be proud of ourselves and forget momentarily whatever crises we are facing. True enough, even political bickering takes a break to give way to live telecast during Manny Pacquiao fights as illustrated in the “Natatalo” version, “…pagbigyan nyo na ako sa munting hiling kong ito kung hindi, baka mag – away pa tayo.”

The “Natatalo” version underscored poor executions that led to disastrous plays, “…puro palpak ang tira nila…offensive foul…traveling…pinasok ang sarili…nasupalpal..na-technical…nagmintis…” These can be likened to poor executive decisions, political squabble, graft and corruption of our local and national leaders that greatly devastated our country politically, socially, morally and economically.

But the “Champion” version emphasized on how Pinoys redeem themselves, “…ang napakahirap ay napakasimple…ang imposible ay naging posible…ang labanan ay biglang nagbago, reinforced versus all-Filipino…ang peligro ay naging milagro…sunod-sunod na panalo!” The Philippines is gifted with numerous opportunities that can catapult it to greatness. We have the most diverse natural resources, ours is a perfect eco – tourism destination foremost of which is Donsol Sorsogon which is now known as the whale shark capital of the world. We have a very rich historical and cultural heritage. We have world – class achievers in the fields of arts, entertainment, sports, business and sciences, and the list continues. Miracles do happen if we allow them.

But why do unfortunate events continue plaguing our nation and like phoenixes, the Pinoys have the capacity to rise up again? The answers may be obtained from the concluding stanzas of both songs. The “Champion” version revealed, “…at ang inuman ay hanggang umaga…at nagkasaid an gaming mga pitaka, nang maging champion ang Giñebra…” Granada articulated here that Pinoys idea of victory is short – lived and unsustainable. Translating this to our socio – political history, the gains that we achieved in the EDSA I and II can be likened to a wonderful night’s dream that had its end when we woke up the next morning. We seemed not to learn from our mistakes that is why we are bound to repeat them.

Surprisingly, the “Natatalo” version offers a more affirmative trait for the Pinoy, “…galit ako sa mga pasista, galit ako sa mga imperialista…feel na feel kong maging aktibista pag natatalo ang Giñebra…” It is when the Pinoys are down and out that they finally muster the courage to take action to liberate themselves from oppressive situations. Again, history had a glorious chronicles of these events: The Battle of Mactan, The Philippine Revolution, The Fil – Am War, World War II, Martial Law, to mention a few.

Crises are shining moments that bring out the best in every Filipino. Ironic but true. Such is the mystery of a tribe, a barangay, a republic that is called “Ginebra,” truly, genuine, honest – to – goodness Filipino.

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References :

1. Gary Granada, ‘Pag Natatalo Ang Giñebra, from the Album Samu’t Saring Gary Granada, The Legends Series, Ivory Records, 1997.

2. G. Granada, Nang Maging Champion Ang Giñebra, from the Album Sulat, Backdoor Records, 1997.

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay_Ginebra_Kings.