Jimmy Alapag will return to the country one day.
He made the vow after the Alapag family settled in their new home in Los Angeles, California.
“Our heart will always be in the Philippines, and I want it to be clear to everyone not only for myself, LJ, and for the kids,” said Alapag as he, wife LJ, and three kids left the country last September 15.
“This isn’t goodbye. It’s just see you again!”
Given the uncertainties from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Alapag had to make the tough decision of moving out of the country.
Because of this, the 42-year-old PBA legend exhausted all his contacts in the States to see if there are any vacancies available.
“This is a new chapter for our family.
“It’s bittersweet of course. We have absolute faith and trust in God’s plan for us and we are going to make the most out of it. I have a lot on my plate, not just on getting LJ and the kids settled but try to seek out these coaching opportunities in the middle of the pandemic,” said Alapag, who also contacted his connections in NBA team Sacramento.
But before moving forward, Alapag thanked everyone who contributed in the making of his legend.
The 2011 PBA Most Valuable Player expressed his gratitude to the officials of both the MVP and SMC group.
“So many incredible, amazing people during my time in Manila. Amazing people from the basketball landscape, coaches, management.
“From the MVP group, Boss MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan], Boss Al [Panlilio], Boss [Ricky] Vargas, my time with San Miguel group, Boss RSA [Ramon S. Ang], Boss Alfrancis Chua, all the amazing coaches, too many to name, you guys know who I played for. Just met so many amazing people, made so many amazing friends. That connection will not go away,” Alapag expressed.
In the States, Alapag looks to re-learn the game. And when he and his family are ready, he promises that he will bring all the knowledge back home.
“My hopes and my wish during our time here is not only to continue to grow our family, raise our children the best way we can, and continue to grow, LJ and I, in marriage, but also to continue this growth process now that I transition to coaching so that when I do come back to the Philippines, I’ll have more value in terms of what I can share to the players, to the coaches, and just Philippine basketball in general,” said the one-time ABL champion coach.
“I know how much of a blessing the game has been on my life. I want to be able to pay it forward, even more, when I come back and when I do come back home.”
