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LOS ANGELES —-It’s a win-win moment for an unshaven point guard and for Filipinos at Crypto.com Arena.
(Photo by Nick Roska/Tangent Zine)
Because in addition to the thundering “Let’s Go Clippers!”, “Pinoy ka?” (“Are you Filipino?”) is the second most said string of words tonight.
In the Filipino community, these two words are enough to create a bond like blood.
And for good reason. When you’re 8,207 miles away from home, these cultural kinships are rare—so rare that we demand fierce loyalty to one another.
(Photo by Nick Roska/Tangent Zine)
We are a small (literally), but feisty people. But to plagiarize the words of former U.N. General Carlos P. Romulo, we’re glad we’re little guys.
While we’re always at risk of falling short of the height requirements at amusement park rides, we’ve got spunk.
(Photo by: Nick Roska/ Tangent Zine)
It’s the kind of spunk that ran through Lapu-Lapu’s veins when he avenged us against Magellan, earned us our freedom in our rebellion against Spanish rule, and flooded the streets of EDSA in Manila during the People Power Revolution.
(One for the flag. Filipinos gather for one night to celebrate their heritage at the Clippers vs Rockets In Season Tournament game. Photo Credit: Nick Roska, Fred Docdocil, Filipino Heritage IG)
It’s also the same kind of spunk that has landed this barely 5 '1 sportswriter on the homecourt of the Los Angeles Clippers, about ten bowls of pancit away from the statuesque James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. I’m a mortal lost at Mount Olympus.
(Photo Credit: LA Clippers)
Because Filipinos love hard. We love family, food, our three stars and a sun. Passion defines our people. We are little guys with dangerously big hearts.
We also love basketball. One of the 3 B’s in the Holy Trinity of Filipino Fanaticism, basketball can be found everywhere on our island. Its influence is wickedly undeniable, however far the tropical paradise may be from the NBA. From knock-off jerseys to makeshift courts in the most rural of provinces, basketball is not just something Filipinos love—it’s a religion.
Tonight, the Clippers (pronounced Cl-ee-pers in Filipino) recognized that. With Filipinized jerseys handed out at entrance and special performances from Filipino artists like Guapdad 4000, Pinoy pride is fueling the arena tonight.
With the help of the illustrious Roslynn Cobarrubias, the founder of 1587 Filipinos in Hollywood, I got to get a few words in with the “Handsome Lifestyle Connoisseur”.
(With the head honcho of 1587 Filipinos in Hollywood Roslynn Cobarrubias)
When asked about what it felt like performing for the Clippers for the second time, the rapper said, “It’s an honor... to represent on Filipino Night.”
(Tangent Zine lands a quick interview with Fil-Am sensation Guapdad 4000. Video Credit: Nick Roska/Tangent Zine)
With black and Filipino roots, talent is in his genes. Although I found myself having to chase after him, Guap treated me like an equal—Filipino camaraderie in action.
As he stopped to wave to his fans and giggle at their delight, I understood right then what Guap was: a certified Swagapino.
And he’s proud of his Filipino heritage. “It’s necessary to rep myself,” he pauses to take the mic off of his waist, “because I am that [Filipino].”
“The heaviest mahal goes out…to all my Filipino people.” Guap speaks to me with genuine earnesty.
“It’s a heavy time in the world and I think we should just lean on each other for support and inspiration.”
Because just as Guap says in his song “Chicken Adobo”, we’re all “just tryna make it in America”.
(Guapdad 4000's Chicken Adobo official video on his YT Channel)
The Filipino American community has come a long way since we first landed in the United States of America one fateful October centuries ago. The Clippers have made sure to be part of that journey in honoring our Filipino brethren, our kababayan.
(Photo Credit: LA Clippers)
On behalf of all Filipino NBA fans, maraming salamat po. Until next time, sige?
And by the way, the Cl-ee-pers took it home tonight. With none other than the unshaven James Harden nailing the game winning shot against the Houston Rockets. Welcome to Los Angeles, Kuya James!
(Game highlights courtesy of LA Clippers YT channel)
