Security guard shows off LeBron artwork in #WitnessHistory

MANILA, Philippines — “Masulyapan man lang ni LeBron ang mga ito, ayos na. Masaya na ako.”

(If he could just catch a glimpse of these, I’ll be happy).

This was what Alfonso Beleganio, a security guard and a diehard fan of basketball superstar LeBron James, told Rappler while holding his self-made portraits of the 4-time NBA MVP at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, July 23. 

“Ang number one goal ko talaga ay mapapirmahan. Pero kahit hindi, wala akong panghihinayang. Masaya ako (My number one goal is to have them signed. But even if that doesn’t happen, it’s okay. I’m happy),” he said.

James is in the country for one day for a tour hosted by Nike.

Painting for the love of LeBron

Beleganio is just one of the thousands of fans who flooded the Mall of Asia Arena to see the NBA’s best player in the flesh. And just like everyone else that day, he also had a special story behind the cardboards he carried.

“Sa ganoong paraan ko pinapakita yung pagmamahal ko kay LeBron (This is the way in which I show my love for LeBron),” Beleganio said.

He shared that his LeBron James paintings best reflect how much he admires the basketball icon.

Right after the Nike Witness History event, throngs of fans crowded Beleganio and his artwork, taking pictures of it together with them. Not only were there typical fanatics who approached him but also a few local hardcourt stars. 

Alfonso discovered his impressive drawing skills a little late compared to most artists. He said his NBA hero played a big role.

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Beleganio said he started drawing in 2008.

“Favorite subject ko si LeBron. Sa katunayan, itong painting na ito kaninang umaga ko lang natapos (My favorite subject is LeBron. The truth is this painting, I just finished this early this morning), ” the father of two said while pointing at one of his cardboards.

He said his paintings usually take a week to finish, but said he gave up sleep to complete this one. He finished the painting in 3 days.

Since Day One

Despite the weather and having to miss work, Alfonso, together with his 11 year-old daughter, decided not to let the chance of seeing James slip away. They decided to witness history.

“Sinubaybayan ko siya high school palang siya. Hanggang sa NBA. Hanggang dito sa kina-katayuan ko (I’ve followed him since he was in high school. Until the NBA. Until today).”

Being able to see LeBron live was a dream come true for the artist. 

“One word: Speechless,” Beleganio said with a sigh while haking his head in disbelief.

“Kahit nasa General Admission lang kami, okay lang. Nakita ko siya kahit sabihin mong maliit siya. Nakita ko yung moves niya. Nakita ko yung dunk niya.”

(Even if we were in General Admission, it was fine. I saw him, even from a far. I saw his moves. I saw him dunk).

Everything paid off

Even before heading to the MOA Arena, Beleganio took his chance and went to the Nike Park at Bonifacio Global City to take a closer look at his idol.

James stopped there briefly for a quick press event. Beleganio got lucky.

“Nasa loob palang siya ng Nike, sabi ko makita ko lang ang pinaka matangkad na tao diyan, siya na yun. Siya na nga yun.”

(He was inside Nike. I said, if I see someone tall it might be him. And it was him).

Beleganio and his daughter Mikaela, had no words to explain what they experienced. For the father and child, it was surreal.

“Si LeBron, nakatingin din sa amin habang tinataas namin ito, kaway ng kaway. Nakakapanginig ng laman,” Beleganio shared his firsthand encounter with LeBron. “Nakakapanginig talaga. Pati anak ko nanginginig.”

(LeBron saw us when we lifted these paintings. He kept waving. My insides trembled. Even my daughter was trembling with excitement).

“Iba talaga ang feeling. Kilala mo eh, idol mo. Tapos andito. Sobrang grabe.”

(It’s a different feeling. You know him, he’s your idol. Then all of a sudden he’s here. It was unbelievable). – Rappler.com