Basketball and vanity

Do you know the term “Papogi”? 
Papogi means you are seeking approval from others just to impress them. It is a Filipino colloquial term of being a show off. Papogi means to show their talent just to gain attention of someone’s crush/es.  Papogi in basketball refers to style over substance, nice shoes like wearing almost every version of Kyries or wearing high socks every game like a pair of KDs or Kevin Durant. They prefer to show off how nice their props are rather than valuing their contributions in the court. Even their playing style would compose more of flair and fame rather than focusing in the basic fundamentals of the game and discipline and work ethic that they should possess. They play just for highlights rather than playing for the betterment of the team. From nice crossover, blind passes, chase down block and entertaining lay-ups. It also means being incredibly physically attractive that all girls and even boys could fall in love with the player even that player is not that good of a player. Lastly Papogi can also describe players who look feminine, act feminine and have good aesthetic qualities no matter what the skin color is.

Ricci Rivero is one of the most celebrated heartrobs in basketball,
but would vanity be a factor on his reputation?

In known schools in Davao almost every young ballers can afford all the accessories and perks that attracts the eyes of spectators and women around. They also can afford the supplements and equipment to hone their skills and improve body conditioning which is an advantage for them, yet there must be something between two ears to process that.

First, there is one certain college varsity who caught the attention of many and he has brought the team for four years. I heard comments from various sources like my fellow basketball enthusiasts that this person and his team has the talent and skills to play basketball but plays just to entertain crowd rather for pride and honor. They need to have the intelligence and heart to play to be successful in the team. But interestingly some call these players, Papogi, Patisoy even beki or bayot which makes me wonder that other fans or spectators in the game of basketball are jealous that they can play ball even they are physically attractive or they simply observed that these players only display vanity when they play. This is the question lingering my mind as I watched them play a year ago.
Second is there is a certain division/s that was mocked during my time in college and up to this date. Although every division has the Patisoy and Papogi player that girls in college would flirt on to. But there was a certain division/s which is heavily criticized and scrutinized because of the “papogi lang sila” label. I admit that there were bunch of guys to play just to show off and brag themselves for approval, yet because of people’s insecurities they tend to generalize a certain team just for a few players who display vanity. They even put in to the extent that they would accuse a player for being homosexual or bi-sexual (though there are players who are). Although there are teams with mostly physically attractive players it does not guarantee that they are there for nothing or worth nothing, IF they would use their talent and skills wisely and not for the sake of vanity or boasting.

In the end there looks, skills, talents does not matter when you step on the court and even off the court. I do not say you must not have these gifts, it is a blessing to have these gifts yes if you have the put them to right use to glorify God. 

“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV) 

All that matters is hard work, dedication, determination, passion, perseverance to use this aforementioned gifts in its fullest. They say hard work beats talent but I say attitude beats talent.  

1 Corinthians 9:25-27

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Stayed tuned for part 2 which focuses on the accessories and fashion in sports.

Ricci Rivero shoots a lay-up during the UAAP season