If there’s one player who understands what Raymond Almazan is going through right now, it’s Calvin Abueva.
This year alone, Abueva twice went on absence without leave from the Alaska Aces. The first time occurred last January, while the second incident was last June and resulted in an indefinite suspension from the team and later on, a trade to the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
And same happened to Almazan, as he has been MIA for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters since October 7.
In an interview with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas, Abueva shared his thoughts on Almazan’s ordeals.
“Ang sa akin lang, alam naman natin na si Raymond ay malakas na player at masipag din, pero once na pinasukan ka ng problema, mahirap malagpasan yan once na hindi mo malabas yan eh,” shared the six-year pro. “Pero akin lang, sana kung makapaglaro pa siya this season o next season na, sana ma-improve pa niya yung sarili niya at maging maayos ang buhay niya.
“Tol, good luck!”
Abueva has admittedly not kept in touch with his Gilas brother for a while. Still, he reaffirmed that he will be there for his friend whatever happens.
“Tropa ko yan kahit anong mangyari, partner-in-crime ko yan. Alam niya yan!
“Pero siyempre, may ibang side[business] tayo, kaya bihira na kami magkita. Ang sa akin, good luck sa kanya,” he added.
And it’s because Abueva knows that when you are at your lowest of lows, it’s your close friends who will help build you up once again.
“Experience na rin sa akin. ‘Pag dumating talaga yung problema, stress talaga. Dun mo mararamdaman talaga… Yung walang-wala ka na talaga.
“Pero actually, nanalangin din ako kay God kung paano maayos yung buhay ko, kung paano ko i-improve yung sarili ko kung kahit wala yung pamilya ko sa tabi ko,” he shared.
