Chesca Tenorio, wife of Barangay Ginebra guard LA, was in labor. She was brought to the Makati Medical Center where she gave birth to their second child on the same day the Kings would take on Alaska in the PBA later that afternoon.
It was the 13th day of December 2013.
Thrilled to welcome another bouncing baby boy into their family, LA naturally stayed on to marvel at the latest blessing in his life.
Not long after, the Tenorio patriarch headed straight to the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City to suit up for the Kings. Ginebra went on to beat the Aces.
That marked the only time Tenorio almost missed a game in the PBA. Although he had a valid reason, he still opted to play that day.
Now over five years later, the pint-sized guard has tied PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio's record of playing 596 consecutive games. That meant Tenorio has played every game since getting drafted by the San Miguel Beermen in 2006.
Tenorio said the "Iron Man" record was a testament to his hard work and discipline.
"It's a great achievement not only as a basketball player but also as an athlete. This is the fruit of my hard work, discipline, and sacrifices throughout my career not only in the PBA, but also in high school and college. Everything I went through to become a professional athlete," Tenorio said after Ginebra's 100-97 win over Phoenix on Sunday.
Asked what his secret was, Tenorio said there's nothing really special.
"I've been thinking, what have I done special? I couldn't figure it out. I just go out every day and do what works for me. But other players do that as well. I even think they are more disciplined than me," he said in Filipino. "I really don't know. Maybe it's the power of prayers."
Tenorio's historic night came with a tour-de-force performance against league leader Fuel Masters. The playmaker finished with 23 points on four three-pointers, while also collaring eight rebounds, dishing out five assists, and getting three steals.
He was instrumental in the victory, uncorking back-to-back triples to lead the team's uprising inside the final six minutes of the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Still, he shared credit with the team.
"Beating the number one team is difficult. They're really playing at a high level. That's why this win is really big for us. We've been struggling since last conference. Until now we couldn't regain our character and discipline specially on defense," he said.
A week from now, Tenorio will have the chance to set a new "Iron Man" record as Ginebra takes on rival Magnolia. But he's not letting that get into his head.
"I don't really want to be conscious about that (setting the record). My philosophy is simple: if I'm being more careful, more likely I will get injured. That's why even in pick-up games I give my all," he said.
"I will get tired. But I make sure I will give my all regardless of the result."