Iron Man 2.0: Cancer-free Tenorio ready to return with 'a higher purpose'

MANILA, Philippines -- Now that his cancer is in remission, Barangay Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio said he cannot wait to hold a basketball once again.

Tenorio, who is tagged as the PBA’s Iron Man due to him playing more than 700 consecutive games, said he is returning to basketball “with a higher purpose.”

“Now, I am returning to basketball. For my love of the game. This time with a higher purpose,” Tenorio said in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

“Not as the old LA, but hopefully with the new and better version of myself. I hope I can help inspire people through the game of basketball - that life, winning battles, winning championships - are all more meaningful not because of the end goal but because of the journey,” he added.

The point guard underscored his readiness to enter the next chapter of his life.

One of the best point guards in PBA history, Tenorio was diagnosed with colon cancer last year.

He said he focused on his faith as he walked through the difficult journey.

On September 19, he learned that his latest test results showed no trace of cancer, and now, he is in remission.

“My journey was filled with people I. love, people I inspire, people who inspire me, and people who prayed for me. It made every hardship, every little daily win, every nervous waiting game, every part of the journey more meaningful. It made everything worth it. It made me realize what I am living for and fighting for,” Tenorio said.

“Life is short. Let's live life to the fullest and more meaningful this time around. I can't wait to touch a basketball once again. This is my story. And I'm ready to enter the next chapter of my life. And all To His Glory,” he added.