Thousands of young hoopers are dreaming of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). It's not surprising since the allure of getting paid much money while playing the sport you love the most is irresistible.
The sad truth, however, is that only a few players gets drafted, much less signed each year by PBA teams. For those who missed the cut, they either shift careers or hone their skills further in minor leagues such as the PBA D-League or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Needless to say, the salary in the semi-pro leagues pale in comparison to the PBA. To compensate, many players accept invites to play as imports in as many tournaments or "panalays" they can join in order to earn a living. The pay might not be guaranteed but at least they get to earn a decent sum.
Many players also resort to side hustles outside of basketball to augment their earnings . Richard Albo is one of these tireless guys.
The 34-year old forward is a fixture in several ligang labas in different barangays and municipalities across the country. In fact, he didn't finish his college studies and playing years at the De Ocampo Memorial Colleges as he was earning enough from basketball to support his family.
"Under grad ako sa kadahilanan na kumikita na ako malaki sa ligang labas na nabubuhay ko pamilya ko, explained Richard Albo in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."
"Sa mga probinsya at mga inter-barangay, halos lahat yata ng lugar napuntahan ko na tapos mga commercial leagues sa Manila, he added on where he ventured out to play-for-pay."
Richard Albo is now playing off the bench for the Davao Occidental Tigers under coach Don Dulay. Although quality minutes come too few and far between during the elimination round, he remained ready to contribute whenever he is called for duty. True enough, he delivered when it mattered the most.
Richard Albo practically saved the season for the Tigers after he scored 14 points in 17-minutes of playing time during the second (2nd) game of their best-of-three series against the Basilan Steel. The win extended the South Division Finals series into a do-or-die game three (3) which is yet to be scheduled.
"Lagi lang ako ready. Pag ginamit ako, focus ako sa depensa. Bonus na lang kung maka opensa ako. Swerte ko kasi lisensyado tumira kay coach. Basta open, buga lang daw ng buga kaya yung kumpiyansa ko di nawawala sa oras na hugutin ako ni coach. "
Basketball is a continuous learning process for Richard Albo. He is fortunate to be part of the Davao Occidental Tigers squad which is teeming with ex-pros capable of leading the team to a single cohesive unit.
Although a veteran himself, Richard Albo values the lessons from ex-pros Billy Robles and Mark Yee on and off the court.
"Madami ako natutunan kay Billy. Lagi siya nagmomotivate sa akin na mag-ready ako lagi. Kapag may game kami, nage-extra workout kami lalo na kay Kuya Mark. Matagal ko na kasama si Kuya Mark. Lahat ng tama ituturo sa akin niyan hindi lang sa basketball pati sa family, at lalo na pagdating kay God. Ang turing ko kay Kuya Mark parang panganay na kapatid na lahat talaga ng payo susundin mo."
As their playoff run is currently on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Richard Albo is working hard beyond basketball. Unknown to many basketball fans, he is an incumbent Kagawad in Barangay Bangkulasi, Navotas City, Metro Manila.
Delving into politics was not actually in his plans but he was convinced to try politics by their current Barangay Captain because of the latter's initiative to help the youth especially in sports development. Without expecting much, Richard Albo filed his candidacy for the position of barangay kagawad and by the grace of God, he was elected by his constituents.
"Wala naman talaga sa plano ko yun. Yung kapitan namin ngayon yun kasi patapos na term niya sa pagka-kagawad niya kaya ayun kinausap niya ako na baka pwede ako sumama sa grupo niya. Matagal ko din pinag-isipan kasi napakabait na kagawad nun at madami siya natulungan na mga bata dito, lalo na pagdating sa basketball. Ayun, pumayag ako at di ko rin akalain na mananalo ako kasi bagito lang ako tapos mga kalaban ko mga nakaupo na. Siguro plan din talaga ni God sa akin ito."
In this trying times, he and the rest of the barangay officials were very much involved in distributing relief goods and assistance to their fellow ka-barangays. They have to be at the frontline as the pandemic locked up almost everyone inside their homes.
As many workers lost their job or source of income, one needs to find creative ways to put food on the table. For Richard Albo, online selling became his lifeline.
He is actively taking orders for Sea foods and packed "dinakdakan" online and then delivers the same via his motorcycle to his loyal customers.
It's amazing how he is able to juggle basketball, his civic duty, and online selling at the same time. Although the MPBL is still suspended, his team conducts virtual workouts for at least an hour a day.
He then report to the barangay hall to perform his official duties. If his schedule permits, he fulfills delivery of his online sales.
Like everyone else, Richard Albo is praying for normalcy to return so that he can continue his projects for the youth. Even before the pandemic, he has been very active in organizing projects aimed at honing young basketball talents from their locality.
"Sa Sports talaga ako. Madami ako natuturuan dito na balang araw gusto din nila maging sikat na basketball player. Kaya ayun may basketball camp ako dito sa barangay namin. May katulong din ako na mga kabataan na kapag wala ako sila ang maiiwan ko na magtuturo sa mga bata."
Basketball has always been a crucial part of Richard Albo's life. Without it, he might not have been able to sustain his family's needs.
This is the reason why he wants to develop young players who can use basketball as a ticket for getting college scholarships or as a means of achieving their dreams. It will be a great achievement if his program will be able to produce talents who will not just follow his footsteps but rather exceed it
Richard Albo believes discipline coupled with hardwork is key for those who want to play in the MPBL, much less in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
"Sa mga kabataan na nangangarap makatungtong sa MPBL lalo na sa PBA, hanggat bata pa kayo matuto kayo disiplinahin ang sarili niyo. Maging ma-respeto at huwag n huwag maging mayabang kapag umaangat na. Basta sipag, tiyaga at mag-aral ng mabuti. At ang pinaka-importante, patuloy ka lang mangarap. Huwag susuko at at maniwala sa ating Panginoon."
We couldn't agree more.
-----------
Like our official Facebook Page MPBL RESULTS