"God blessed me with a lot of HEART and no height, and I’ll take that any day- Nate Robinson”
For this week's featured MPBL aspirant, we share the story of Mr. Alvin Georpe Cabaluna who was not gifted with much height but was given much determination and focus to succeed. In spite of his height, he has proven to be a worthy teammate in the basketball court as well as off the court.
He currently works in Macau and hopes that by sharing his story, he will be able to inspire the next generation of basketball players to continue to work hard in order to achieve their dreams. Here is his story.
Humble Beginnings
I am Alvin Cabaluna, a 5'2 guard from the Qeen City of the South, Cebu City. I started to play at the age of seven (7) at the slum area in Cebu city. Together with my childhood peers, we participated in various mosquito and midget basketball leagues. My passion for basketball continued to grow as I grew older. When I was 13 years old, I was given a chance to represent my barangay back in 2001 for a municipal mini-Olympics where I was even selected as a “ KAUGMARAN: BASKETBALL SCHOLAR”.
I was eventually discovered by coach Councilor Eyas and he offered me to play for his team known as "Yunalam Boys". I was very motivated when I was selected by coach Eyas; hence, I worked hard to show that I deserved the spot on his team and be the missing piece he needed.
Our team then joined a tournament participated by 33 barangays. We didn't win the championship but at least we took fourth (4th) place and the bonding that we had in the team is something that I will never forget. As a bonus, my coach was named as the best coach of the tournament.
In the Land of the Giants
After graduating from secondary school back in 2004-2005, I returned to Cebu to start a new journey. Since I couldn't afford at that time to study in college, I sought a job that fits my credentials. Fortunately, I was hired as Housekeeping Administrative Aide (Janitor) in one of Cebu’s biggest hospital where I worked until 2007.
It was at that time when I met Myler Abrea who became a good brotherly figure for me. Because of him, I was able to play with his former collegiate players from top Universities in Cebu. Such exposure also allowed me to meet semi-professional players who invited me to play with their basketball club for a season.
My confidence was definitely boosted by such experience. Despite standing at 5'2 only, I was able to prove that I can play and keep up against taller players.
On December 21, 2007, I entered the hospitality and tourism industry. This is probably the most exciting part of my basketball journey since a lot of my colleagues were collegiate players of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) and many of them even played in semi-professional leagues.
In one of the tune up games I attended with them, I met Mr. Jeffrey Dagandan who is a former varsity player with access to Coach Al Solis basketball Christian Ministry. To my surprise, he invited me to play and join them. I gladly accepted his invitation, and during our first practice, I saw several well-known players from Cebu's colleges including Mr. Jed Cabellon who is now a Jr. NBA coach in Cebu.
The Big Break
“Keep practicing, never let somebody tell you that your too small, and too slow."
Year 2010 was a great opportunity for me insofar as my hotelier career is concerned. I received an offer to transfer to a newly opened hotel where I met my new basketball teammates who became part of my basketball journey.
I am delighted to say that I was part of the pioneering basketball team that participated in the 2011 Hotel & Resorts Restaurants Association Inc. (HRRACI). Our team went to the finals which is something I am very proud of. Even though I was the smallest man in the court and was constantly teased, I did not mind what people said to me because I knew I have a big God playing with me at that day.
A year after, we organized the Inter-Department Basketball Tournament 2012. It was finally my breakthrough year as my department garnered the first ever Championship Trophy. At last, I became a champion!
The Step Up
"Just try to improve the team, every time you step on the floor.”
I decided to bring my talents, skills and luck overseas. From 2013 to 2016, I got a chance to play Inter-Hotel Basketball tournament and even local Filipino leagues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Right now, I am currently enjoying my work and basketball experience in Macau. From 2018 up to the resent, my team composed of homegrown talents from Cebu won back-to-back Championships. Furthermore, I also played one day league tournaments in Yeun Long, Hongkong and Zhu Zhai, China where I also won championships.
As my way of saying thank you to the Filipino community, it’s now my time to pay it forward. As such, I am organizing a basketball community whose mission and vision is to HONOR GOD and make DISCIPLES thru the game that I love- basketball.
As my final words, I would just like to borrow an advice which is very appropriate.
"Never stop chasing dreams.”
I hope I inspired you and I was able to show that while height is might, never under estimate the power of the heart. Be like David with a big God. Give your all every time you step on the floor and play the game as if it's your last.
MPBL is searching for a new broadcast partner
In another news, the franchise application of ABS-CBN was denied yesterday by the House of Representative. With the denial, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is looking for a new broadcast partner. It will be remembered that ABS-CBN was the MPBL's partner from the inaugural Rajah Cup until the last season called Lakan Cup.
There are several options for the MPBL. It can broadcast its games with PTV 4, CNN Philippines, or at TV5. GMA 7 may not be feasible as the timeslot 7-11 pm is already full with telenovelas. The Aksyon TV channel of TV5 is viable since the PBA is shown on the main TV5 channel. What do you think?
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