During his stay with the Arellano University Chiefs, Jiovani Jalalon had always spent his birthday at the Filoil Flying V Centre as it always fell on an NCAA game day.
READ: Holts regains form as Arellano fends off Lyceum on Jalalon’s birthday
“Since nung NCAA pa ako, hindi ako nakaka-celebrate ng birthday ko,” reflected the 5-foot-9 floor general. “Laging may NCAA tapos hindi pa nakakapunta family ko dito sa Manila.
“Pero okay lang.”
This year, though the Star Hotshots had a bye, the Cagayan de Oro-native was still on the hardcourt. This time though it was in preparation for something bigger as Gilas held its seventh practice for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, a tournament that is set to tip-off on August 8.
Jalalon though has no qualms about celebrating his birthday at the Meralco Gym as he was surrounded by his extended family.
“Kahit hindi naging sobrang saya ng birthday ko kasi hindi ko kasama yung family ko, nandito naman yung pangatlong family ko,” Jalalon said referring to Gilas.
“Ganun pa rin pakiramdam ko kasi sila din nagpapasaya sa akin.”
And as he blew the simple cake gifted to him by Gilas, the now-25 year old wished for one thing.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa yung blessing na dumating sa akin.”
His 25th birthday might be as simple as it can get but Jalalon, an integral part of the Gilas program, knows that this sacrifice will payoff come the Asia Cup.
