US Open, ‘Da Vinci’ upset, SVD jubilarians

LET me write about the justconcluded US Open since lawn tennis is my favorite sport. I play tennis not for competition now but for physical fitness. Besides, as my tennis chums would joke, we belong to the SWAT team — Samahang Walang Asenso sa Tennis.

** * Roberta Vinci, the unseeded Italian player, spoiled the calendar-year Grand Slam party of the world’s #1 tennis star Serena Williams.

Vinci outwitted her, making the greatest upset in the US Open history of the women’s tennis. Somebody quipped: “Vinci cracked the Serena Code” (referring to Da Vinci Code).

*** The “code” (strategy) of the diminutive, unheralded Vinci was to keep Serena running from the court’s corner to corner like a windshield wiper and attacking to the net with crisp volleys. This wore out the heavier Serena and cost her a lot of errors.

*** What’s interesting was that Roberta Vinci with a 5’4” height could beat the world tennis champion Serena who had a height of 5’10” and a booming serve but sputtered and toppled down in a David versus Goliath match.

It means that height is not everything in tennis, and this should be an encouragement for Filipino players to excel in the prestigious sport.

*** In the men’s final, it was a repeat rivalry between this year’s Wimbledon finalists: Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. It’s amazing that the 17-time grand slam champion Federer had still the spunk and stamina to make it to the finals again.

This time, however, the score was 3-1 compared to Wimbledon’s five grueling sets. Does it mean that at age 34, Federer’s invincible caliber has declined?

*** Well, we all have to accept the reality that every day we’re not getting any younger. There’s a limit to life and talent in this world but, lest we forget, our spiritual life is infinite. We’re destined to live forever in the afterlife.

By the way, in the US Open men’s doubles, we had a lone Filipino in Treat Huey who, together with British partner Colin Fleming, regularly plays in the men’s doubles grand slams. This time their winning improved, having reached the third round outlasting such tennis stars like the Sam Grott-Lleyton Hewitt tandem.

*** We salute Treat Huey in his participation in international tennis tournaments. His personal initiative has brought honor and glory to our country. Our Philippine Sports Commission should recognize his efforts by giving him a special award.

*** SVD JUBILEE CELEBRATION. Tomorrow, Sept. 18, a Common Jubilee Celebration and Thanksgiving Mass of the SVD Philippines Central Province will be held at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary, E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City.

*** I am one of the jubilarians, celebrating 50 Years in vows. Other SVD celebrants are: Fr. Alfredo Sabado (50 yrs. in vows), Bro. Jose Pineda (50 yrs. in vows), Fr. Franz Josef Eilers (60 yrs. in vows), Fr. Leo Schmitt (65 yrs. in vows), Fr. Wilfredo Saniel (25 yrs. priest), Fr. Antonio Pernia (25 yrs. priest), Fr. Edgar Javier (25 yrs. priest), Fr. Gregorio Buenavista (50 yrs. priest), Fr. Ewald Dinter (50 yrs. priest), Fr. Louis Lapus (50 yrs. priest), Fr. Peter Michael (75 yrs. priest).

We request our readers, mission partners, and friends to pray for fidelity and perseverance in our vocation and respective ministries.

*** ST. JUDE. Today, Thursday, join us at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary, on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City, after the 6 p.m. Mass.

A healing pray-over and anointing with holy oil follow.