ISLAMABAD, 2 June 2026 —The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad received a copy of “Cheers and Tears”, a book by veteran Filipino sports writer Juanito “Lito” Tacujan, donated by his son, Samuel F. Tacujan, during a courtesy call at the Embassy on 2 June 2026.

The donation serves as a tribute to Filipino sports journalism and the role of sports writing in documenting the country’s athletic history, public memory, and national experience.

Mr. Tacujan grew up in Canlubang, Laguna, where the strong presence of sports in the community, from local baseball to the area’s golf courses, helped shape his lifelong interest in athletics. He later graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and pursued a career in sports writing across various newspapers.

He eventually served as sports section editor of The Philippine Star from 1986 until his retirement in 2019. His career included coverage of major sporting events, including the “Thrilla in Manila” and multiple Olympic Games. He also self-published Cheers and Tears, a collection of his sports articles and personal reflections.

Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez expressed the Embassy’s appreciation for the donation, noting that the book is a valuable addition to its collection of materials featuring Filipino writers, journalists, and cultural figures. The Embassy further recognized the importance of preserving works that capture the stories, achievements, and human dimensions of Philippine sports.

Through the donation of Cheers and Tears, the Embassy receives not only a record of Philippine sports, but also a Filipino journalist’s view of the discipline, sacrifice, and triumph that shape the lives of athletes and the nation that follows them. END