BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The PBA as well as the Barangay Ginebra supporters became emotional as they learned of L.A. Tenorio’s stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis.

Tenorio issued an official statement last Tuesday, March 21, regarding his condition, which is the real reason why he has been absent from the games recently.

“I would like to issue a statement about my health status by firstly apologizing to my teammates, some coaches, the PBA, the fans, the media, and even some friends. As most of you are aware, I have been nursing a minor injury since finals last January,” he said. Last March 1, Tenorio wasn’t able to play in the PBA Governor’s Cup because of his groin injury. 

“Ginamit ko po yun na rason for my sudden absence. My sincerest apologies to all,” the star basketball player added. He then relayed what the doctor’s exact findings were. “I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The initial testing 3 weeks ago led me to instantly miss practice and games. I have completed my surgery last week and will soon undergo treatment for the next few months,” he narrated.

“Knowing LA, with the time he spent in Alaska, he’s a strong guy so if somebody’s gonna go through this problem, it’s LA. I think he’s built for this,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa at the postgame press conference of TNT vs. Phoenix last March 22.

“This may be the biggest battle of your life, but we know that you will overcome this! When we had the chance to pray together a few weeks back, we both felt God’s assurance that you will be better and will come back stronger, tweeted Sen. Joel Villanueva. 

Former Senator Sonny Angara also tweeted his support and referred to Tenorio as “Tinyente.” He also serves as the chairman of the governing body of basketball in the Philippines, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Sports journalist and broadcaster Quinito Henson helped spread the word via his Twitter regarding LA Tenorio being made art of Coach Tim’s Staff starting on the PBA Governor’s Cup semifinals series against San Miguel Beer on March 24.

Filipino rapper and singer Quest tweeted: “We got your back LA Tenorio. Walang Imposible! Sige lang!”

Chris Ross of PBA’s San Miguel Beermen tweeted: “Praying for you brother!! I know you got this!! You’re a warrior bro! We are all in your corner!!”

It’s Showtime’s Jugs Jugueta tweeted a get well soon message for Tenorio and called on his followers to “say a little prayer for our friend.”

Tenorio has been a part of the PBA for 17 years. The 39-year-old athlete began playing basketball as early as 6 years old, and played his first exhibition game in front of a PBA audience when he was just in the sixth grade.

*Thumbnail Photo/Cover Photo from Instagram (@la_tenorio)