Jr. NBA Jr. WNBA by Alaska: A Story of Determination and Success

As we arrived in Baguio, I already felt the excitement deep within me not as a blogger/media, but as a mother being proud of her children.

The moment we entered the Benguet State University Gym, I felt goosebumps upon seeing the children at the basketball clinic with their coaches and parents watching them. It's like I'm one of the parents. You can see the drive from these children to learn. Boys or girls, all of them shows how passionate they are in basketball which is where their energy is coming from.

Some came from different cities and provinces, for the love of basketball. No matter how far they came from, nothing can stop them!

I have talked to some parents who came to support their children. Their different stories really toughed my  heart.

One of them is Mrs. Melinda Esteban from Pan-Ayaoan, Loo Buguias (Vegetable Panorama of the North). It is a 3 hour travel to Benguet. Come Friday night, she hesitated to allow her daughter to join the sports clinic. Mrs. Esteban works as a high school Filipino teacher on weekdays & a farmer on weekends to help her husband support their 5 children. She told her daughter that they still need to harvest their potatoes. But Kyla is determined to join. On Saturday night she received a text message from her daughter that she was able to pass for the final round. As a mother, it touched her conscience. She has to come and support her daughter. That evening, she washed her daughter's shorts for tomorrow's event. A sacrifice of a mother for the love of her child. 

This proud father came all the way from Laguna not just him, but the cousins of his son to give support. This is the second time that his son is joining. His son is determined to join and win no matter how far they came from. 

Their patience paid. His son passed and will be joining the team in Manila on April 9.

 

Mr. James Binos came from Trinidad with his 9 year old son Jared Mat Binos. He said that it is his 15 year old son, a basketball varsity in Start College, who had the biggest influence to Jared. Mr. Binos used to play basketball and now he says that aside from being their dad, he is also their coach at home. 

He is happy that his sons are engaged in basketball which is a big part in their lives. He's proud that his children are into sports. 

Before the sun sets, all kids, coaches & parents are patiently waiting for the result of the pre-selection.

Pre-seclected group who will compete for the final league to join in Manila

During the finals, I felt their passion for basketball and perseverance to win. Even if they just met during the pre-selection, I saw their determination and patience to win. Their team work is excellent!

The winners were announced on Sunday, and I saw different emotions that touched me. Of course you can see happy teary-eyed parents whose children won. And the sadness that are in the eyes of the children who didn't make it to the finals. But in the end, you can also see the sportsmanship they all showed. 

 

I may not be their mother, but the pride and happiness I felt is something that I will always keep in my heart. For me, all are winners!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Congratulations to the coaches!

Congratulations to all parents! You did a good job!

This day won't be complete without eCow

Wala pa rin tatalo sa Alaska!

Wala pa rin tatalo sa pagmamahal at suporta ng magulang!