Aside from the Magnolia Hotshots racking up wins in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, Jio Jalalon has another reason for the big smile on his face as of late.
The 26-year-old is now a father, as his fiancee and college sweetheart Kristina Apan gave birth to their first daughter Jiana Skyla last September 27.
“Okay naman [pagiging ama]. May pagbabago lang kasi may inaalagaan ka na,” admitted Jalalon to Tiebreaker Times on Wednesday evening, when asked what it’s like being a dad.
But even if he is still adjusting to the life of being a father, Jalalon confessed to the kind of joy having a child brings.
Moreover, he played inspired basketball when the Hotshots took on the Columbian Dyip on Wednesday, finishing with nine assists and six points in Magnolia’s 113-95 victory.
“Nakaka-excite lagi pagkatapos ng game o kaya ng practice kasi gusto mo makita baby mo,” the sophomore beamed. “Ganun din naman ako sa mga pamangkin ko noon, at lalo na sa kapatid kong bunso.
“Ngayon meron na ‘kong sarili.”
Aside from the elation, the all-around guard out of the Arellano University Chiefs program said that having Jiana Skyla in his life only inspires him to play the game he loves even more.
“Sobrang nakakadagdag ng motivation sa akin,” said Jalalon.
