Metro Manila and some nearby provinces were reverted to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status last August 04, 2020. This means that public transportation, except for tricycles and pedicabs, will no longer be allowed to operate. Some businesses such as dine-in restaurants will also not be allowed.
With the way things are going, the pandemic appears to be far from over. Our country continues to log more than 3,000 cases daily and we have recently overtaken Indonesia as the country with the highest number of reported cases in Southeast Asia.
But as we have repeatedly said in our past articles, basketball never stops. Amid the bleak situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to feature the stories of hoopers and dreamers who are looking forward to make a name in the local basketball scene.
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Our featured player this week is Mr. John Cedric Lagrosa, a 5'4 tall guard from Tondo Manila. The 20-year old guard started playing basketball at the age of 10.
"Nanonood lang ako madalas sa mga liga noon sa lugar namin and na-inspire na rin ako sa paglalaro kaya sinubukan kong maglaro ng basketball, John Cedric Lagrosa shared in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."
Believing that he has what it takes to succeed, he participated in try-outs during his elementary days. True enough, he was accepted to the basketball varsity team of his school.
Just like any other team, the practice regiment in his varsity squad was tiring. John Cedric Lagrosa had to endure daily practices but that didn't deter him from improving his skills.
"Araw araw ang practice, nakakapagod pero di dapat sumuko and then noong unang laro na namin, dahil nga first game ko non sa varsity team, may kaba ako pero di ako takot harapin ang hamon, added John Cedric Lagrosa."
As if playing basketball with his varsity team was not enough, John Cedric Lagrosa competed in the novice division of various ligang labas. Although he was unable to bring home an individual award, much less a championship trophy, he valued the experienced that he gained. At the very least, he got a glimpse of what competitive basketball looks like.
"It is all about experience na kailangan kong dalhin hangga't sa kinakaya ko pang maglaro ng basketball, said John Cedric Lagrosa."
After his stint in elementary basketball, he tried out for various high school basketball varsity programs but he was rejected. Perhaps it was because of his 5'4 height or that he was nervous during the scrimmages. But whatever the reason was, John Cedric Lagrosa didn't lose faith in his bid to achieve his dreams.
After his unfortunate rejection, he also tried out with the "Pinoy Youth Dreamers" basketball program. It was here that he was able to train and learn so many things under the guidance and supervision of the PYD coaches and staff.
"Marami rin akong natutunan dahil magagaling ang coaches doon. Hndi lang ksi "try" ang gusto nila dun tapos "out" ka agad kapag natry mo na, hinayaan at especially ginabayan kami ng mga coaches doon na magpractice ng magpractice. Mahirap pero kinakaya, dahil walang mahirap kapag gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, recalled John Cedric Lagrosa."
Although he didn't make the cut in the senior high varsity team in Emilio Aguinaldo Colleges (Manila), John Cedric Lagrosa played for the basketball team of his course/strand. While it was not the main varsity team, he still experienced difficult trainings, body aches, and lashings from coaches.
Without a high school varsity team, John Cedric Lagrosa refused to let go of his dream. He made it a point to keep playing 5-on-5 basketball or to join several ligang labas in order to stay in shape and remain competitive.
Of course, it is not avoidable that many people doubted the skills and belittled the capabilities of John Cedric Lagrosa in the basketball court. He is 5'4 but his heart is much bigger.
"Maraming taong binababa ako, pero noong mga panahon na yun, mas tumataas ang tiwala at kumpyansa ko sa sarili, nagiging matatag sa lahat ng negative na naririnig ko sa iba dahil yun ang motivation ko. Kapag binababa ka ng iba, hayaan mong Diyos ang magtaas sayo, exclaimed John Cedric Lagrosa."
Soon thereafter, John Cedric Lagrosa was playing in ligang labas not only in his hometown but in other cities as well. He was able to showcase his skills in Caloocan and Malabon where he occasionally got in trouble due to physical plays. His hard work eventually paid off as he was able to clinch some awards including championships, MVP awards and mythical five citations.
"Nakapag-uwi na rin ako ng medals dahil sa mythical at pagiging mvp ko, siguro yun ang dahil sa pagpupursigi ko. Hindi ko kasi binabalewala ang mga negative na naririnig ko. Actually, yun ang dala dala ko hanggang ngyon, yung mga negative sakin ang dala dala ko para makamit ang pangarap ko at kung bakit nagpapatuloy ngayon."
Given his height, John Cedric Lagrosa knows that it is almost next to impossible to reach his dream of playing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) or the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) but his basketball journey continues. Whether he will end up as a professional player or not, he submits to the will of the Lord.
"Hindi ako titigil hanggat di ko yun naaabot. God is bigger than my fears, kaya bakit ako matatakot? Haharapin ko lahat yun dahil kasama ko ang Diyos sa labang ito. Magpapatuloy ako at magpupursigi at balang araw, hahangaan naman nila ako at hindi na mamaliitin."
For now, John Cedric Lagrosa encourages other dreamers like him to just continue the fight. He advises them to not entertain any doubt thrown at them. He believes God has a plan for each and every aspirant and we just need to be patient.
"Kaya sa mga kapwa ko basketbolista na patuloy na tinutupad ang kanilang mga pangarap, huwag matakot harapin ang bawat bukas, maghintay kalang sa ginagawang plano ng Diyos sayo, hindi man ngyon but soon, makakamit mo rin ang pangarap mo. Hayaan niyo lang na idown kayo ng iba, basta wala kayong tinatapakang tao, ituloy niyo lang ang pangarap niyo."
We hear you Mr. Lagrosa. Never stop chasing your dream.
You might also want to read the story of other MPBL aspirants:
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