TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana may have referred to their recent masterclass finals victory as a “job done,” but the versatile wingman is far from reaching the finish line.
Representing every TNT Katropa who stays inspired and optimistic in the face of challenges, Oftana shared why his second PBA championship has taken his game to a whole new level.
“Syempre sweeter and mas masaya ngayon kasi noong first championship ko, buntis pa lang yung asawa ko. Ngayon, nakikita na ng anak ko at naiintindihan na niya yung laro. Nakikita ko yung sigla niya at sila ng asawa ko yung naging inspirasyon ko. Sweeter yung championship kasi ang daming hirap na pinagdaanan ng team,” said the San Beda Red Lion.
Deserving of the endearment of many ordinary Filipinos because of his candidness and humility, Oftana is now reaping the rewards of his hard work, even in times when the odds seemed stacked against him.
“Merong times na hindi pabor yung outcome ng laro, syempre nafru-frustrate ka. Hindi naman yun mawawala as a player. As a professional player, you need to know how to overcome those things lalo na yung sa mga fans na sobrang die-hard sa team nila. But I have my family, my teammates, coaches, at syempre yung mga katropa natin kaya pusigido kaming manalo,” the 28-year-old Cebuano added.
Off the court, Oftana stays connected with fans, sharing TikTok dance videos with his siblings and keeping his followers updated on his official Instagram account—powered by TNT, the country’s leading mobile brand. He also reaches out to Katropas in game venues and virtual platforms.
“Naglalaro tayo para makapagbigay ng saya sa mga katropa natin. I want the team to be a top contender for every conference. Gusto ko sana nakakapag-compete tayo sa taas or compete for the title each conference kasi hindi lang siya personal goal but I’m also doing it for my family,” he said.
No Shortcuts
(C) TNT
Born in Cebu and raised in Siaton, Negros Oriental, the 6-foot-5 sharp-shooting forward shifted his focus from track and field and volleyball to basketball as a teen athlete.
To improve his game, Oftana watched YouTube videos on shooting and dribbling. He worked his way up from the grassroots level, playing for Asian College-Dumaguete, which eventually led him to the San Beda Red Lions, where he won championships.
Drafted 3rd overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA draft, Oftana was part of the league’s top 4 draft class alongside Joshua Munzon (1st overall), Jamie Malonzo (2nd), and Mikey Williams (4th). Today, he has found a home and a sense of community with the TNT Tropang Giga.
“I’m giving my 100 percent every opportunity na makalaro. Binubuhos ko yun. Sabi ko nga kung bibigyan ako ng chance ng teammates at coaches, I will give it my all para sa kanila,” he reflected.
A solid Gilas mainstay since 2020, Oftana made his mark in the 2022 Asian Games, draining three triples in the early stages of their game against Qatar. He was also part of the historic team that brought home the Philippines’ first gold medal in 61 years.
Even while representing Gilas in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup November window against New Zealand and Hong Kong, Oftana is already looking ahead to the PBA’s next conference, hungry for more.
When asked if he envisions TNT winning a grand slam or adding more trophies in the coming conferences, he shared, “I don’t want to say that ‘TNT is onto becoming the next dynasty in the PBA,’ but I can promise our supporters that I’m making my own path sa team. I’m trying to contribute sa history ng team. I’m making my own road and giving my all hanggang nandun ako sa TNT.”
A source of inspiration for future Gilas and PBA players, Oftana is a living testament that dreams are for everyone. It doesn’t matter where you start; it’s how you push yourself to be the very best.
Still, Oftana would rather let his game do the talking.
“I honestly don’t think about it [status in the PBA]. I’m just focused on what I can do for the team. In my head, yun ang binabayaran sa akin eh, yung maglaro nang maganda para manalo para sa mga ka-tropa, sa management, at para sa family ko.”
