Green Archer BJ Manalo candidly reveals the many challenges he has to face all for the love of basketball My earliest childhood memory was trying to bite a small rubber basketball that my lolo placed inside my crib when I was three. (Maybe that's why I've ingested basketball in my system! Hah!) Actually, it was also my lolo who introduced me to the sport because he used to be a coach. At an early age, I already knew that I wanted to be a great athlete, and I didn't wait until I "grew up." By grade five, we won the National Finals of the Small Basketeers of the Philippines, and I was MVP! In high school, I was on the top of the world. Winning the UAAP junior finals with my good friends Rico Villanueva and Welsey Gonzales in the Blue Eagles, and playing abroad for the Philippine Youth Team were things I would never ever forget. Back then, while other guys my age were fussing over computer games or courting some girl they met in a soiree, I was seriously considering my career options. And at 16, I made up my mind to pursue my lifelong dream (going to DLSU for college)... and woke up in a nightmare of intrigues. It hurt me, not so much that strangers were critisizing me, but because my family and friends were negatively affected by the choice I made. My classmates in AdMU, Section G, became incredibly protective, and after graduation (most of them were going to Ateneo for college), they reassured me, "We will be with you every day." I marvel at their loyalty to our friendshi, which, until now, is stronger than any La Salle-Ateneo rivalry hype. I appreciate their unconditional support, for, as Ateneans, we were educated to "follow your heart" and to "live your own life." Transferring to La Salle was like jumping off a cliff - hindi mo alam kung saan ka babagsak. It was really scary. But adjusting there wasn't that difficult, thanks to the kind people of the La Salle community. Three (out of the four) UAAP senior championships and close friendships with my fellow Green Archers were the highlights of my college life. But the happiness has been marred by troubling injuries, one after the other - a benign tumor in my shin and multiple torn ligaments in my knee. The physical pain was terrible, but it was not as bad watching your team play without you. My detractors called it "karma," but by this time, I'm at peace with myself, it doesn't matter anymore. (Much has been said and written about me, but most of it didn't even come from me.) From God, I found the strength to carry on when I was faced with overwhelming odds: defeat, ridicule, surgery and the untimely death of my best friend in DLSU and housemate, Miggs Gozum. My faith has helped me accept change, and also taught me how to understand people - fans and critics. Many want ot hear me admit my regrets, but I don't have any. How can I regret everything that has happened when it was the opportunity to know God and welcome Him in my life? Kids walk up to me and say they're inspired to play basketball because of me. Parent approach me for autographs and remark that I'm a role model for the youth. I'm happy I'm able to bring God's love to others, of touching their lives in a way that surpasses my personal tragedies. Tatalon nanaman akong nakapikit ang mata. I don't know where I'm going to land, but I'm not as scared. God will keep me safe. At 22, I've been through a lot in life, and it's been nothing short of a wild roller coaster ride. But I've learned to throw my hands up in the air and enjoy it. |