Even before he entered the PBA back in 2014, Rome De La Rosa was fully aware that he carries no ordinary name.
His dad Romy and uncle Ruben have both played in the PBA. Their careers were both highlighted by championships; the former won with Shell in the 1990 First Conference, while the latter triumphed with Purefoods in the 1997 All-Filipino Cup.
Now, the De La Rosas can proudly share that they have three PBA champions in their family.
Rome has also now won a title in the pro ranks. His Magnolia Hotshots vanquished the Alaska Aces in six games to bag the 2018 Governors’ Cup championship, Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
“So I guess okay na, I can tell him (Rome) na nag-champion na din ako,” beamed the 28-year-old. “I’m on the same boat now.
“He’s always messaging me after our wins and losses this series. He says, ‘Naku, sana eto na yung chance mo mag-champion.’ So I’m actually looking forward to going home to the States and be able to see my family as well.”
It runs in the blood, as they say. But more than that particular achievement, Rome is simply glad to have won his first-ever PBA championship; he had failed five times in the Finals before being able to hoist the Governors’ Cup trophy.
“I’m on cloud nine.
“I can’t really say much but I’m just truly blessed and thankful to be able to finally win one. And to win it with Magnolia,” expressed Rome, who was traded by Alaska – the team that drafted him – to the Hotshots back in 2016.
This championship triumph serves as a perfect conclusion for what was a solid season for the four-time NCAA champion with the San Beda Red Lions. And for Dela Rosa, all the credit goes to his brothers-in-arms.
“All credit to the coaches, to the players, and even to our utility boys. Everyone’s been pushing me and they see something in me, so they just tell me to keep going. Just to have them supporting me, it’s really big,” he said.
“I’m just giving it my all for them as well.”
