Rhenz Abando has been one of the pillars for Strong Group-Philippines at the ongoing 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The 6-foot-2 forward has been pivotal to the Athletics’ success, leading the local scorers with an impressive 9.0 points per game.
With the elimination round now behind them, Strong Group heads into the quarterfinals with a perfect 4-0 record, a feat that sets them up as the top seed.
But for Abando, while the wins are undoubtedly satisfying, the pursuit of the crown continues.
“So far, so good naman. Happy for the team kasi we’re winning, but at the same time, medyo not satisfied ako sa performance ko. Pero ang mahalaga nananalo kami,” said the former University of Santo Tomas standout, who has been a free agent since May of last year.
“Super laking tulong nito sa experience ko knowing na hindi ako nakapaglaro nang eight months or almost a year para akong nangangapa ulit. Momentum ko wala eh, so super laking tulong neto sa’kin. Parang stepping stone ulit to para makabalik ako.”
But behind his stellar play lies a heavy heart.
Just days after Strong Group’s arrival in Dubai, Abando received heartbreaking news — his grandmother, whom he affectionately called Lola Ansing, passed away.
For Abando, this was more than just a loss; it was a deep emotional void.
Raised in a family without a father figure, his grandmother took care of him, providing the love and support he needed to thrive.
“Laking lola ako. Lumaki ako sa pamilyang walang tatay, so lola ko naging nanay sa’min and nanay ko naging tatay para sa’min,” he revealed. “So simula noong bata ako kasama ko na lola ko. Siya na nagpalaki sa’ming magkakapatid, kaya masasabi kong close ako sa lola ko and lola’s boy talaga ako.”
Abando recalled the sacrifices his grandmother made for their family. She wasn’t just a matriarch; she was the cornerstone of his life.
“Nakita ko lahat nang sakripisyo niya para sa’min, kaya super love na love ko yung lola ko na yun,” he said with emotion.
Despite the weight of grief on his shoulders, Abando chose to remain with his team.
He continues to play not only for his teammates, but for the memory of his lola and the family who needs him now more than ever.
“Laking tulong na lang din sa akin ang laro. Kahit paano nakakalimutan ko yung bigat ng nararamdaman ko,” he said.
With his family’s sacrifice always in the back of his mind, Abando channels his pain into motivation.
The 26-year-old forward knows that his success in Dubai isn’t just for himself, but for the loved ones who helped shape him into who he is today.
“Ginagawa ko kasi ‘to para sa pamilya ko, hindi lang para sa sarili ko. Gusto ko maranas sila nang magandang buhay eh, lalo na yung lola and mama ko. Dami nilang sinakripisyo para sa’min. Pero goal parin dito is mag-champion. We are on the same page!”
Now, as Strong Group prepares for their quarterfinal match against Sharjah, Abando feels determined to finish what they started.
