Birthdays are one of the most awaited moments in a year. But Manok ng Bayan Jopher Custodio has already missed a lot of those celebrations during the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The former Bacolod-Master Sardines bruiser in the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is currently serving the country as part of the Philippine Army.
Because of this, Custodio spent his 33rd birthday last April 2 away from his family as he was in Fort Bonifacio, doing Army duties.
In addition, he has missed the seventh, eighth, and ninth month celebrations of his second child, Eriene Jia. He will also miss his wife Ericka Mae’s birthday on May 2 as the enhanced community quarantine in some areas of Luzon, including the National Capital Region, was extended to May 15.
“Malungkot din na hindi ko nakasama yung family ko sa kaarawan ko, pati yung seventh, eighth, ninth month celebration ng baby ko at birthday ng asawa ko sa May 2,” said the 6-foot-3 big man.
“Babawi na lang ako sa kanila after ng COVID-19 na ito.”
Being on duty has resulted in a lot of lonely nights for Private First Class Custodio. Still, the native of Pangasinan looks at the positives of serving the country during the pandemic.
“Masaya ako na nakakatulong kami sa taong bayan. Malungkot lang na hindi namin nakakasama ang pamilya namin,” he expressed.
“Ganon pa man, sakripisyo na lang muna kami sa panahong ito kasi ito yung sinumpaang tungkulin namin para sa inang bayan.”
Despite no existing contract, Custodio, who averaged 9.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game during the Lakan Season, disclosed that he will be back next season — the second of five MPBL seasons Chooks-to-Go will back.
Story by Justin Valencia
