PBA stars reflect on fatherhood ahead of Father’s Day
TNT big man Poy Erram with his three children. –POY ERRAM INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines — Father’s Day is just around the corner, and some of the PBA’s familiar faces already have plans—simple or sentimental—to mark the occasion.
Although not the most extravagant celebration, TNT center Poy Erram will be heading to a toy convention at SMX Convention Center on Saturday with his wife. For the father of three, that’s more than enough.
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“We don’t really think of it much. I just remind her, ‘Oh, it’s Father’s Day!’ then I’d send her some toys that I’ve been checking,” said Erram in jest at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I’m not much of a grand celebration guy. I just want her to support my hobbies. Now, my hobby is buying toys for my collection, and that simple thing makes me happy.”
Erram certainly played like a motivated dad on Friday night, tallying 12 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. Unfortunately for TNT, the win went to Magnolia, which clinched a twice-to-beat edge behind veteran coach Chito Victolero.
Magnolia Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero during a PBA Philippine Cup game againt Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Victolero, unlike Erram, doesn’t have much planned for Sunday either. With the Hotshots heading to the playoffs, his focus is firmly on basketball. Still, he won’t let the chance to spend time with family slip by.
“For my family, we’ll just bond, check in at a hotel, and have dinner,” said Victolero.
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Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin, who also ended Season 49 with a win, is looking forward to Father’s Day as well — especially since he’ll be spending it with his 84-year-old dad.
“We’re going out with my dad. We’ll have a Father’s Day dinner with him and our siblings,” said Jarin, beaming after Phoenix finished the season strong.
Off the court, Jarin has become a father figure to his young Fuel Masters squad.
“Everywhere I go, it’s always been like that,” he said. “The biggest thing about being a coach is being a mentor, guiding these young men through the game of life. I’m the elder statesman here, and it’s satisfying.”
Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Kai Ballungay. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
One of his players, Kai Ballungay, will be celebrating his very first Father’s Day this weekend. The rookie forward welcomed his daughter late last year.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s exciting to be a father,” said Ballungay, who averaged 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in the Philippine Cup. “I know my wife probably has something planned as a surprise, so I’m ready for that.”
“This year has been filled with a lot of moments — being drafted in the PBA and having my daughter born in December. It’s been exciting and I can’t wait for what’s next.”
Meanwhile, the PBA will continue its Father’s Day festivities on the court with a double-header at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. NorthPort faces San Miguel in the opener, followed by Rain or Shine versus Barangay Ginebra.
