ON TO THE NEXT ONE

Another mission was accomplished last Thursday, July 11^th, as we took our crew to a place called “Batang Cayo.” Even though the name would not appear to any map applications, a folk familiar to the inner localities of Mandaluyong would easily locate this humble community inside Brgy. Addition Hills.

Setting the paint session at night, it was a surprise to see that the majority of the people welcoming us were the youth. They were all thrilled to see Mr. Pinoy Hoops and his team in their neighbourhood, and all the more perplexed when they got to play with him and his homies for a quick pick up. The kids could not believe it, and it was obvious that they were savouring every minute.

After the game, the goal was proclaimed: we were going to paint their basketball court, a gem located in the middle of their community--and it’s going to be great.

And as we held on to our paint rollers, filling-in the spaces with black and gold, we stoop low, as if we were all bowing our heads in respect to the community’s one and only court. Because when painting the ground, you only look up when you are done, or out of paint. At this point, we looked up to a scene that we wish your own eyes would have also seen: Mr. Swift was in the middle of the free throw area, standing firm as if a commandant towards his squad, but his eyes gentle, gazing towards the kids, as if what they do is such a delight to him. He gives orders on what to do next but also holds a brush, painting the areas he thinks are too meticulous for the children to paint on.

You would see kids all over the quadrangle; one up in the basketball ring, painting the highest point of the pole while others on the ground, helping out in spraying graffiti art over the four corners of Batang Cayo’s playground.

The complex paint details, however, were helped together by Mr. Pinoy Hoops’ rigorous team himself—Sheed, “Kagawad” of The Street Hoops PH, and Lester of Rekta Sa Kalye. These guys will stop at nothing to paint every court we can find, and KOTC is more than grateful to be in sync with these passionate individuals.

And at that moment, we were in awe. Not only does the Kings of the Court design unfolds, but the mural “Every Court Can Dream” basking on a big yellow wall acts as a great charm as well. You can smell the scent of joy in the area released by the children themselves, working hand in hand as if the ordeal speaks into what we can hear as: “Thank you, and we hope this could be finished now, so that we can play with it in the morning.”

True enough, everyone’s eagerness resulted to a quick paint session; and as we finalize the details, the kids present in the area also got low in numbers. Their parents and some barangay authorities also watched, but we felt their trust as they left us with the assurance that what we were doing is of a great help to the community. The curfew reigned supreme, and as much as the youngest ones wanted to stay, only the young adults remained with us to finish the activity.

At last, we wrapped up through taking photos of everyone, and a small celebration encircling Mr Swift on what could have been a mini freestyle rap session, but decided to end it with high fives, handshakes and hugs instead as we could no longer make loud noises for it’s past the peoples’ bedtime.

At this point, we were certain: that this is the children’s inheritance, and we were proud to help rebuild this thing that they consider theirs alone; through basketball, we proclaim a blessing to their youth: live on.

As a royalty, the crown is passed down to its family. In this young Brgy. Addition Hills community, we pursue greatness and pave our legacy through passing down the torch of empowerment to them. This whole service of court refurbishment is not only a mere paint session, but a gift. And we do hope that by it, they may also realize that greatness is also within their grasp.

In working together, we fan the flames of the undying fire of their basketball dreams.

Before leaving, we asked the kids of Block 27 on why the place is called ‘Batang Cayo’, and they explained that it was originally called “Cayo”. The name change is a result of a proclamation all we ever needed to know; “we named it ourselves.”

With a grateful spirit, this one’s for you, Batang Cayo!