Baguio City is undeniably the Summer Capital of the Philippines due to its cool climate which makes it an ideal destination while the rest of the country endures searing heat. Unknown to many, Baguio is also home to a thriving varsity league with the Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) serving as the local version of Metro Manila's University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
In the sports world, Baguio City is best known as the breeding ground of world champions in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) owing to the exploits of Team Lakay in One Championship. While the city does not enjoy the same success in the basketball scene, it was able to produce several notable basketball players who made it to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Perhaps the most recognizable PBA player from Baguio among the younger generation is Doug Kramer who started his basketball journey in the city of pines before moving to the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles where he won one (1) UAAP championship. Others include Tony de la Cerna, Kenneth Ighalo, Sonny Cabatu, Lito Cruz and Dante Ritualo.
Vince ahron Sibbaluca , a 6'3 center for the University of Baguio (UB) Cardinals wants to take it even further by breaking barriers in the hope of bringing Baguio City and the BBEAL to national basketball prominence.
Exceeding what his predecessors achieved is surely a challenging, if not impossible, task for the 20-year old center , but he is taking his chances. For someone who originally competed in the track as an athletics player, being selected in the varsity team of his university is already an achievement.
"Noong bata ako, hindi po talaga basketball ang laro ko kung hindi track and field. Then nung mag High School na ako, patangkad ako ng patangkad, at dahil dun naengganyo akong subukang mag basketball," shared Vince Sibbaluca in a chat interview with I'm a Baller Reload facebook page.
Having the gift of height, however, proved to be both a blessing and a curse. As he was not yet well adept in the game of basketball despite his height, he became a subject of ridicule from other players. But rather than being affected by the tirades thrown at him, Vince Sibbaluca used it as a motivation to get better.
"That time hindi talaga ako marunong, as in wala akong alam sa basketball pero sumasali parin ako. Lagi din ako sinasama ng mga tito ko sa kanilang laro pero kinukutya ako dahil hindi ako marunong mag basketball. Dahil sa mga natanggap ko na di magagandang salita, mas namotivate ako na pagbutihin ang aking laro sa tulong ng aking mga tito at lalong lalo na ang lolo ko. And ayun pinagtyagaan nila akong turuan hanggang sa natuto akong magbasketball until ito na din ang naging paborito kong laro," added Vince Sibbaluca.
It was not easy for Vince Sibbaluca to learn the ropes of basketball. As he struggled to improve his game, he usually ended up as a bench player which affected his mental toughness. Even his grandfather noticed his low morale as he felt that he was useless for not being used in the games. Little by little and with a lot of hard work, Vince Sibbaluca was able to change his fortune for the better as he slowly improved his skills.
With much improved basketball skills, Vince Sibbaluca earned the chance to represent his school in the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) all the way to the much coveted Palarong Pambansa.
"Noong nag uumpisa palang ako as a Basketball Player medyo nag struggle din ako, mostly mga naging games ko nabaBangko lang ako kasi hindi ako magaling. After ng every game ko sobrang down ako at ang sama ng loob ko kasi feeling ko useless ako sa loob ng court. Umuuwi nalang ako na nalulungkot at nahahalata ito ng lolo ko kaya tinulungan ako na mag-training hanggang sa ako ay mag-improve. At sa aking improvement di na ako nababangko. Sinasali ako sa mga liga tulad ng Palarong Pambansa," recalled Vince Sibbaluca.
His stint in the Palarong Pambansa and CAVRAA gave him confidence to try out with collegiate varsity teams to avail of scholarships as a means of helping his parents pay for the tuition fees. He first went to De La Salle University (DLSU) but he was not selected. Fortunately, one of his friends suggested that he apply with the varsity squad of the University of Baguio.
The advice of his friend turned prophetic as he was accepted as a varsity player for the UB Cardinals which is one of the teams who compete in the BBEAL. Being a student-athlete, however, was more challenging than what he expected.
"Marami nagnanais na maging varsity player pero di lang nila alam na sobrang hirap din nito kasi need mo ibalance yung academics at sport. Personally nahihirapan ako kasi need namin gumising ng maaga para mag jogging and after that eh papasok na agad sa school. And mahirap din kasi limited units lang ang pwede naming kunin kasi need namin magtraining ng hapon. Ang perks naman ng isang student-athlete eh nakakatulong kami sa magulang namin sa tuition fee kasi kami libre na tuition namin and nabibigyan din kami ng allowance. Pati dorm and food libre na din as in lahat. Kumbaga kahit papano laking bagay na yun para sa parents namin kc di na nila need isipin pa ang mga gastos sa school," said Vince Sibbaluca.
After his college eligibility, Vince Sibbaluca wants to play in professional leagues such as the PBA. Although he knows that he needs to compete with thousands of other young players for the very few slots in the roster of PBA teams, there are other leagues such as the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) that provide opportunity for hoopers to develop their game while earning from playing their favorite sport.
For those who want to follow in his footsteps, Vince Sibbaluca advises them not to give up. They should be passionate in pursuing their dream.
"Ang message ko sa mga young ballers dapat wag silang sumuko sa pag babasketball nila. They should continue what they love to do and dapat maging passionate sila. Dapat maging positive thinkers sila and they should do their best sa lahat ng ginagawa nila. And kapag may rejection man na naranasan dapat hindi ito maging hindrance para maipagpatuloy yung pangarap nila, try and try until you succeed, yan dapat mindset ng young ballers," advised Vince Sibbaluca.
That surely applies to all. May you achieve your dreams Mr. Sibbaluca!
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