Birthday Greetings to Antonio Dela Cerna ( Dec 27 )

ANTONIO DELA CERNA
Antonio dela Cerna's basketball career is like a roller-coaster ride. Acknowledged as one of the best shooters in the early 80's, he along with Allan Caldic and Alfredo Jarencio formed a fearsome troika for CF Sharp under coach Larry Albano. Tony was then fresh from the University of Baguio. But with the disbandment of CF Sharp, dela Cerna moved over to Masagana 99 where he really bloomed as a rifleman. Unfortunately, dela Cerna overstayed in the amateur ranks while Caidic and Jarencio moved up to the PBA in 1986. Tony followed suit three years later via the Purefoods route but did not make an impact. His confidence was eroded and he was only good for 16 games where he averaged 2.9 points, with a high of 12. After the 1989 season, dela Cerna approached Purefoods management and requested that the remainder of his contract (1990) be terminated. He was getting P25,000 a month as a Hotdog but he was willing to settle for less in the amateur ranks as long as he got enough playing time. He got what he wanted. Purefoods agreed to let him go. Last year, dela Cerna reverted back to amateur status and rejoined Sta. Lucia Realty. "At least, dito nabigyan ulit ako ng break, nagkaroon ako ng playing time. Kasi, kung nagpatuloy ako sa PBA, malamang mawala na nang tuluyan ang kumpiyansa ko. In the end, kahit sa PBL wala nang kukuha sa akin dahil hindi ko na kaya," said Dela Cera who was born on December 27, 1962. Last year, Dela Cerna was instrumental in leading the Realtors to their firstever PBL championships. The fruits of reverting back to the amateur ranks paid off. This year, dela Cerna surprised everyone by making it to the candidates' list for the Philippine team to the ABC Men's championship in Kobe, Japan in August and the 16th SEA Games in Manila in November. More astounding is the fact that he made the RP team, a distinction that eluded him during his prime years. "Natutuwa ako siyempre. Ang tagal ko nang naglalaro ngayon lang ako napabilang sa RP team. Kahit sabihin pa'ng baka alternate lang ako, okay na rin iyon," said Tony who is married to the former Maritess Amurao and father to Carissa Marie who turns three on September 24. "It's an honor to represent the country. Sa paglalaro ko, dalawang beses lang ako nakalabas ng bansa. Once was with Masagana 99 and the other with coach Nat Canson in Indonesia. Mga invitational meets lang iyon. Ngayon, talagang laban na para sa Pilipinas ito," he said.