I read the sad news on Butch Maniego yesterday (October 1, 2012).
Mr. Maniego and I cannot be considered as friends. It's more like acquaintances. He's the closest person I know (and do a handshake with) who is a celebrity in the Philippines.
I knew Mr. Maniego back then when I first knew about the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association). It could have been through the radio because it was my only source of live basketball before our city (and household) gained access to cable TV (and the other Philippine channels). Later on, I might have seen him on TV. These memories are kind of vague because I can't visualize his face as someone I remembered when looking back at PBA. But the name stuck.
Fast forward to my Magic the Gathering days and I was quite surprised to hear (and read) that Mr. Maniego played. There was a thread about celebrities who played and his name might have popped out.
My best memory (or memories) of Mr. Maniego has everything to do with Magic:
1. I facilitated a trade for his foil textless Day of Judgment. He wanted a Call of the Herd very badly and the DoJ was super extra. He was so thankful with how I facilitated the trade and asked if I wanted anything for my effort. I asked for his autograph. He replied that he was a nobody and asked why I would want his autograph. In any case, he sent me his calling card with his signature. Back then he was a something-something for the PBL (Philippine Basketball League).
2. After playing URzatron in Visayas regionals, Mr. Maniego called me (yes, he called me!) and asked for my firsthand experience in playing URzatron. I also gave my opinions on some of the decks that I knew about. I was like, "Wow. I'm talking to Butch Maniego!"
I got to meet him in person twice. The first time was in a prerelease in Cebu (I already forgot what expansion it was). I do remember the month and it was January because he was in town with his family to experience Sinulog. Since there was a prerelease on the weekend, he took the time to play. And he didn't disappoint with how he played. He was good. On the last round (he had a 2-1 record already), he asked his opponent (3-0) if he wanted the prerelease shirt in exchange for a booster pack. His opponent agreed and that was it. I casually asked him about the round and he said that it was a no big deal for him.
The second time I saw him I thought he had already retired from playing competitive Magic. It was the Manila Grand Prix (I forgot the year so it could be 2008 or 2010). I only got to say "Hi" and "Hello". I wonder if he remembered me.
My heart goes to him and his family. Rest in peace, Sir. It was a pleasure knowing you.
