Since graduating from National University in 2017, Afril Bernardino has been on a relentless search for a stage to showcase her basketball talent.
The three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player began her journey in 2018 by playing for the Hatchers Valkyries in Malaysia.
In the years that followed, she pursued opportunities with various overseas teams, hoping to take her game to the next level.
When the WNBL-Pilipinas emerged during the pandemic, Bernardino thought she had finally found her home.
Unfortunately, her affiliation with the Philippine Navy made her ineligible for the league’s draft, putting her professional aspirations on hold.
This year, however, Bernardino sees the newly established Women’s MPBL (WMPBL) as her chance to thrive and help uplift Filipina basketball players.
(C) WMPBL
“Marami talagang sobrang talented Pinay ballers dito sa atin na ‘di pa nare-recognize. So hopefully, this league, makatulong siya para makita pa ‘yung mga talented Pinay ballers,” Bernardino said after leading the Lady Sailors to a 70-57 debut victory over Cavite-TOL last Sunday.
For the past seven years, Bernardino has been a cornerstone of Gilas Pilipinas Women under head coach Pat Aquino.
Her contributions have been instrumental in securing three Southeast Asian Games gold medals for the national team.
(C) WMPBL
Now, she hopes the WMPBL can become a platform for aspiring Filipina players to hone their skills, gain exposure, and elevate the status of women’s basketball in the Philippines.
Bernardino made an immediate impact in her WMPBL debut. She delivered a dominant performance with a game-high 28 points on an impressive 11-of-17 shooting clip.
She added 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks, showcasing her all-around prowess and leadership in the Lady Sailors’ season opener.
“I’m still overwhelmed kasi nandito pa ako naglalaro. Ina-idolize ko ‘yung mga mas may age pa kesa sa’kin na still naglalaro pa rin katulad nila coach Ewon (Arayi),” she shared, expressing admiration for her
