In an ennoble virtual function, spearheaded by the Valenzuela City 2nd District Rep. Eric Martinez bestowed the Filipino legend who led the PH team to a bronze podium finish in the FIBA Worlds in 1954 in Rio de Janeiro, which remains the highest-ever in the country. 

Tony Genato was overwhelmed as the city retired his No. 13 jersey as well unveiled a marker in honor of him and his team including legends Caloy Loyzaga and Lauro Mumar.

“I thank you also, Congressman, for your dedication and my gratitude for your interest in basketball. Thank you,” Genato expressed. 

Aside from being the captain of the national team who landed third place in the World Basketball Championship, now known as the FIBA World Cup, the 91-year-old is also a two-time olympian: 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki; and the 1956 edition in Melbourne.

Genato, being the only living member of the team, reminisces unforgettable memories of his team who stood one-on-one with the biggest basketball nations. 

During that time, the Filipino team fought in a single round-robin among eight big countries—beating the likes of Canada and France who eventually was dominated by the powerhouse United States in the final quarter. 

“As far as we’re concerned, every team was afraid of the Philippines. They saw our potential and we knew what basketball was all about,” Genato proudly said.

For Genato, it was a game-changer for the Philippines and even expected to bag a higher finish if not for the game officials for favoring several calls to South American countries. 

“I disagree with the findings of the Brazil (game). You must take into account that we were playing in South America,” Genato recalled. 

“After the first half, Caloy (Loyzaga) and I ran after the referee, who threw himself under the officials’ table because we’re going to pick him up since it was very obvious that he was favoring Brazil the whole game,” he propounded. 

The Filipinos lost the match, 99-62 to Brazil who awarded second runners-up behind the formidable United States. 

The basketball skipper was a product of both San Beda College and University of Santo Tomas and eventually joined the YCO Painters in 1952. At the age of 30, the recognized “X-factor” of the national team hanged his jersey.

The pint-sized guard then moved to coach the early years of Great Taste in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“I just do whatever is necessary to do. I love life. That keeps me going,” Genato shared.