After surviving a near-death experience, Cholo Villanueva has gained a renewed perspective on life that goes beyond basketball.
Known for his achievements as a player and coach, Villanueva now emphasizes gratitude and faith as he returns to his roles with De La Salle University, Batangas City Tanduay, and GSIS.
What began as a normal pickup game led to a life-altering ordeal, one that made him realize the importance of living in the moment and cherishing what truly matters.
“First, life is short, and second, I really realize the important things in life, which are God, family, and my players. I don’t take things for granted now. I live in the moment every time, and I’m really thankful to God for my second life,” he shared.
This new outlook took shape after Villanueva unexpectedly suffered a head injury that eventually required two surgeries to treat a subdural hemorrhage.
Now, he coaches with renewed purpose, more appreciative of life’s blessings, and determined to make the most of each day.
“I had a subdural hemorrhage in my brain,” shared the two-time UAAP champion. “I was in and out of the hospital for about two months. One night, coming from an MPBL game, I was feeling a severe headache. When I came back from Biñan, I went to the emergency room at Makati Med.
“They did a CT scan and found out I had a hemorrhage in my brain. A vein had burst, and they performed an embolization, a non-surgical procedure to clot the vein. It wasn’t foolproof, but we took the chance.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Initially, the procedure was successful, but the hemorrhage returned, necessitating a craniotomy.
“They opened my head, checked the veins that were supposed to be clotted, closed it up, and let it heal for 2-3 months.”
Throughout this ordeal, Villanueva’s support network stood by him unwaveringly.
His wife, Agnes, his mother, his managers Eric Ongkauko and Andoy Reyes, and his friends and family rallied to his side.
His coaching staff, including Jay-R Aquino and John Arenas, managed his teams in his absence, while directors like Marvin Bienvenida and Alex Depante supported his recovery.
“I held my faith strong. I know there’s God’s purpose in everything we’re doing. He took care of me, especially in those first two months when everything just stopped. It made me realize the important things in life, especially my faith. It was a miracle I survived, and I’m grateful to be coaching again.”
Recently, Villanueva’s teams have been on a high. His Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters defeated Quezon Province 75-69 in the MPBL South Division finals, bringing them a win away from the 2024 MPBL finals, with the first two games set to be played in Dubai.
His Lady Archers also secured a 69-62 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Reflecting on his new outlook, Villanueva has made lifestyle changes to ensure his health remains stable.
“Maybe I rest more now. Kasi I’m also coaching a UNTV Cup team — GSIS — so now I really give it a day na there’s no basketball. I do something outside of basketball to rest my brain and body. That’s the only lifestyle change,” he shared.
“Pero yun nga, basketball’s really my passion. Maybe I can’t play now, but I’m still coaching, so my competitive juices are still there. I’m slowly recovering to where I was before, but I’m fortunate my players are responding well. The Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters, the DLSU Women’s Team, and my GSIS team are all performing, so I’m very thankful to God.”
