Tribute to Aurelio "Boy" Clariño +

Tribute to Aurelio "Boy" Clariño +

PBA pioneer
7-year PBA veteran
Former PBA Player for Toyota, UTEX, Great Taste & Gilbeys Gin
Adamson Falcons

Aurelio 'Boy" Clariño wasn't exactly the prototype Toyota player. Known for having glamorous personalities on the team, led by their genial coach and manager, Dante Silverio, Clariño looked like the odd man out - the moreno among the group of mestizos. For every Jaworski, Arnaiz, Fernandez, Acuña, Cortez, Bauzon and Tolentino, there were also Rocha, Rojas and yes, Clariño.

A rugged enforcer who took care of his teammates in distress, Clariño was actually perfect for Toyota. Donning jersey #23 at a time when Michael Jordan was still in grade school, the man they called "Boy" took his "enforcer" role seriously, especially in games when they went up against their arch rivals - the Crispa Redmanizers.

Clariño wasn't as skilled as his more notable teammates but he provided them with the courage and strength to fight back, especially in difficult times. He'd handle the most brutal job of guarding the other team's imports and would shelter his superstars by taking the cudgels for them.

Clariño played 7 seasons in the PBA for 4 different teams - the Toyota Comets, the U/Tex Wranglers, the Great Taste Coffeemakers and the Gilbey's Ginsmakers. He was a proud warrior who understood and followed his role to the letter. Not one to back down from anyone he came across, Clariño's toughness was matched by his will to win and survive.

We lost another hoops legend. May you rest in eternal, peace, Boy!