There is no doubt that the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has provided a viable livelihood for basketball players, coaches, referees, technical committees, courtside reporters, commentators, utility men and other staff working tirelessly to keep the MPBL games running smoothly. While the pay or salary is lower as compared to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the sheer number of stakeholders benefited by the MPBL, especially those who were not drafted by the PBA or those who were released by their teams, is something to be appreciated.
Recently, MJ Garcia of the Pampanga Giant Lanterns shared on his Facebook page how thankful he is for the blessings he earned while playing basketball. After renting for twenty-five (25) years, he was able to buy, from his hard work, a house and lot for his family.
Such selfless act is his way of repaying the sacrifices of his parents and older siblings for him. "Literal na welcome home Dad. Eto nga pala ang isa sa dahilan bat nagsikap at nagtyaga ako, kase mahal ko yung pamilya ko. Gusto kong masuklian yung sakripisyo ng mga magulang ko at ng kapatid kong mas nakakatanda sa aken. Gusto kong ibalik lahat para sa kanila. Sana na surprise ko kayo," MJ Garcia said.
According to MJ Garcia, the game of basketball helped him a lot in achieving his dream of buying a house. While it was not smooth sailing as self-doubt and various problems hampered his progress, he persevered and remained steadfast. With the help and support of his family, Pampanga Giant Lanterns teammates, and of course, his coach Governor Delta Pineda who is instrumental to his flourishing basketball career, he achieved a major milestone of buying a house and lot.
"Grabe yung naitulong sa aken ng paglalaro ko ng basketball. Dahil dito, unti unti kong natutupad yung mga pangarap ko sa buhay at sa pamilya ko. Hindi ko sinukuan. Andaming problemang dumating, andaming duda sa sarili at pagkawalan ng tiwala sa sarili. Dumating sa puntong ayaw ko na ituloy yung naumpisahan ko kase nilamon na ng emosyon. Andaming nagdududa at sumisira pero tinuloy ko lang," he adds.
He knows that this is just the beginning. While his ultimate dream is still far, he is still thankful for what he achieved so far. "Alam ko malayo pa, pero alam ko rin na malayo na. Araw-araw sipag lang, tyaga lang at palag lang sa mga hamon sa buhay. Alam ko balang araw darating ka din sa mga pangarap mo."
MJ Garcia was drafted by the Converge Fiberxers as 73rd pick in the last PBA draft. However, he was not given a contract. Be that as it may, expect him to be back in the MPBL with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns as they aim to defend their title this coming 2024 season.
The MPBL 2024 season will unfold starting on 16 March 2024 wherein 29 teams will battle for the national championship trophy. For more MPBL stories, like our Facebook page "MPBL Results" and our Youtube Channel "Ligang Pinoy".