During Calvin Abueva’s second practice with Gilas Pilipinas on Tuesday night, he was all smiles. Well, perhaps not as mischievous as he was during the build-up to the SEABA Championship. But still, Gilas’ Energizer bunny was at the very least jovial.
When practice had ended and he was enjoying his post-game meal, Abueva flashed a boyish smile, saying “Wala kayong makukuha sa akin.” But after seeing one reporter glancing through the window of the Meralco Gym, the proud son of Angeles City, Pampanga invited him outside.
“Sobrang saya ko na nakabalik ako dito,” he said.
“Parang second chance ko na ito e. Thankful lang ako na nandito ako ulit.”
After Alaska suffered their tenth straight loss last July 22, Abueva was lost from the radar, not reporting for both his mother team and the national team for a whole week.
The 29-year-old did not want to talk about what happened during that week, however, only saying that he no longer has any baggage to carry with him.
“Ngayon, handa na ako. Wala na akong iniisip kung hindi yung Gilas at yung Alaska,” Abueva declared.
“Naayos ko na yung dapat kong ayusin. Focus na ako ngayon sa trabaho.”
Abueva then turned more serious when asked about the current skid of Alaska, shifting to his gameface.
“Sino bang may gustong matalo di ba? Dumadaan talaga sa ganun ang bawat team,” he said. “Yung sa Phoenix akala namin panalo na kami nun kung hindi dun sa tira ni RJ [Jazul] at nung import nila. Yung sa NLEX, lahat ng tira nila nun nashoo-shoot.
“Siguro hindi lang para sa amin yun.”
And once the interview had ended and pleasantries were exchanged, Abueva raced through the doors to exit the gym. Yes, the playful Calvin is back and ready to take care of some unfinished business.
