“JUST balance everything you do. Keep on playing samtang makadagan pa. And keep on loving.”
This was the advice shared by former Crispa-Micaa star forward Hermogenes ‘Ansing’ Anciado to fellow Ballpals during the group’s regular ball session on Thursday afternoon at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro.
At 65 years old, Anciado impressed the younger club members as he dazzled the courts with graceful lay-ups, pinpoint assist, and accurate jumpers during his surprise visit.
“Natural talent na gyod kanang iya maskin senior citizen na. Sila gyod ang mga sikat sa una sa Cagayan de Oro si Ansing lutaw kaayo adtong bata bata pa,” acknowledged club commissioner Sandy ‘Andit’ Mendoza.
The Cagayan de Oro native Anciado, who’s now working as a sports coordinator in one of Davao del Sur’s local government, said he really admires elderly individuals who still have the courage to engage in physical sports for them to remain in good shape.
“Unsaon man ang kwarta kon luya atong lawas. Bisan motaas atong edad makadagan gihapon kita basta balanse lang sa oras o time management, sa kaon, trabaho ug inom inom,” added Anciado.
The founder of the now unheard Asset-basketball in Cagayan de Oro that produced many successful athletes, Anciado was a policeman who shifted to basketball after Cebu-based sportswriter Edward Gutang discovered him.
He became the star player of the multi-titled Mama’s Love in the Cebu commercial league where he played alongside Jojo Lastimosa and Zaldy Realubit who later became successful PBA players.
Anciado made it to Crispa-Micaa in the company of Rudy Distrito and Abet Guidaben, among others, and represented the country with the national team in Indonesia during his heydays.
