The San Sebastian, Blackwater Elite, and the PBA family lost a member Sunday afternoon.
Gilbert Bulawan, 29, was pronounced dead Sunday afternoon at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City after suffering massive cardiac arrest. Prior to this, the son of Albay had attended Blackwater’s practice at the SGS Gym in Araneta Avenue before suddenly collapsing.
Doctors tried to revive him according to Blackwater Elite team owner Dioceldo Sy but to no avail.
“We are so sad [about what happened],” Sy said in a brief text message. “Nag-collapse siya sa ensayo and we were there.”
Bulawan played for the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags from 2006-2010. During the NCAA’s 85th season, Bulawan became an NCAA champion after the Stags swept the San Beda College Red Lions.
A year later, the 6’5″ forward was drafted as the 17th overall pick in the 2011 PBA Draft. The Albay native played for the Meralco Bolts and the Barako Bull Energy before finding a home with expansion franchise Blackwater Elite.
His career averages are 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.8 minutes of action.
Bulawan is survived by his wife.