The story behind the 1 million 'Jawo' dedication

Fans do the sweetest things for their idols and Danilo Coma is no exception.

Coma, 62, from Mabalacat, Pampanga is a big fan of perhaps the most legendary name in Philippine basketball — Robert Jaworski.

As a fan, Coma wrote 1 million 'Jawo' words to show his love for the basketball legend.

"Maliit pa ako, elementary pa ako, idol ko si Jawo," Coma recalled. "Ginagaya ko siya kahit 'di ako marunong."

Coma brought parts of his work during the PBA Press Corps' Awards Night in Quezon City last September 24 where Jaworski was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donning a replica of Jaworski's Super Corollas jersey that night, Coma said he started his project in 2010 and said it took him around 11 years to finish it.

"Ginagawa ko 'yan bale para dedicated kay idol Big J -- one million Jawo words. 'Yan ang handog ko sa kanya sa kabaitan niya sa akin," Coma said, recalling the times he has met the former senator.

"Wala pa sa isip ko na nagsusulat noon, pero nakita ko 'yung ibang humahanga, karamihan ginagawa nila picture, nag-iipon ng bola o jersey. Nag-isip ako ng kakaiba, ang naisip ko pagsulat," he eventually added.

A fan of Jaworski's 'Never Say Die' spirit, Coma said some doubted him before that he would catch Big J's attention.

"Lampa ako eh, tuwing may basketball, inaaya ako, nagkakamali ako, napipilay ako kaya tinatawag ako lampa. Tapos sabi sa akin pagdating ng panahon 'pag magkita kami ni idol Big J, 'di raw ako pansinin kaya 'yun tinatak ko sa isip ko," Coma said.

However, Jaworski already signed his artwork back in 2019.

"Tumatak sa isip ko ang sinabi nila na 'di ko raw makita si idol, pero nagkamali sila."

In a speech read by Jaworski's son Dodot, the elder Jaworski thanked the fans who supported him in his journey.

"I want to extend a special thank you to the fans who have supported me through the years. Your passion, energy, and unwavering loyalty have been a constant source of inspiration. You are the heart and soul of Philippine basketball and I will forever be grateful for your love and support," Jaworski said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News