PHLPost honors Robert Jaworski with commemorative stamps

The guests of honor take a photo op after unveiling the special Robert Jaworski stamp set.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The Philippine Postal Corporation's tribute to the Philippine sports heroes continued on Saturday as this time, a PBA legend has been given his own commemorative stamp.

In a special event at the PHLPost head office, the said agency honored former superstar point guard Robert Jaworski by making a special set of stamps with pictures of him still playing during his prime years in the '70s and '80s in it.

The full set of the Robert Jaworski stamps sans the first-day cover.

Jaworski's son Dodot and his sons, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Mon Fernandez, Jaworski's bosom buddy during their days with Toyota, and current Ginebra stars Joe Devance, LA Tenorio, Stanley Pringle, Mark Caguioa, and Scottie Thompson graced the event along with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

"Allow me to express my congratulations and appreciation to the Philippine Postal Corporation for issuing a series of special stamps entitled 'Salamat: Pagpupugay sa mga Alamat'. It is, however, an even greater honor to be included in the list of people who have been chosen by your esteemed corporation to be considered legends of our time. Let me express my profound gratitude for this great honor," the PBA legend said as relayed by his son, who was part of the Ginebra lineup during his final playing years during the mid-90s.

The unveiling of the new stamps is part of PHLPost's tribute to Philippine sports heroes as the said agency celebrates the 75th anniversary of the issuance of the first mail stamp in the Philippines.

PHLPost previously released a set of special stamps celebrating the successful Philippine team campaign during the Tokyo Olympics with gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the stamps.

This time, PHLPost expanded its tribute to Philippine sports heroes by adding Jaworski, who before steering the Tamaraws and the Gin Kings to multiple pro league titles was a vital member of the UE Red Warriors squad that won seven straight UAAP titles during the '60s and also a part of the national team.

The first-day cover stamp of the Robert Jaworski stamp series.

"Never did I ever imagine that I would be put in the stamp of our beloved republic," Jaworski's statement continued.

The 75-year-old PBA legend, who became a senator from 1998-2004 following his basketball retirement, could not be in attendance as he is recovering from a rare blood illness as Dodot revealed in an interview with Anthony Taberna.

How I wish I could be there present with all of you today to personally thank you for this wonderful privilege and honor," Jaworski rued as his son further relayed.

Dodot, who would enter the political arena as well when he became a congressman in Pasig, then called for his father's fans to continue praying for his health to become better.

"We continue to ask for people to pray that he will get stronger and he will be back to his normal self soon, the younger Jaworski said.

Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said that this is just the start of honoring those who have become local heroes in recent history.

"It's very much appropriate that the opening salvo should be given to the one and only Robert Jaworski, the original 'Living Legend'," the PHLPost chief said.

All photos courtesy of Ivan Saldajeno

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno