The journeys of Ricci Rivero and CJ Cansino are alike in so many ways.
After graduating La Salle Green Hills, Rivero went to De La Salle University for college. Same with Cansino, a product of University of Santo Tomas High School, as he stayed in España for his tertiary education.
But after their sophomore years, Rivero and Cansino were suddenly left off by the Green Archers and Growling Tigers, respectively.
And as he read about Cansino’s ordeal over the last two days, Rivero can’t help but look back on his own experiences.
“Parang na-feel ko lang rin kasi ‘yung nangyari sa akin na from high school to college, naging loyal kami sa school na nakita namin as second home, tapos mag-e-end up kami na matatanggal for whatever reason,” shared the now 22-year-old.
Rivero ended up in University of the Philippines — the same new home for Cansino.
According to Rivero, he immediately called Cansino after learning about what happened, saying that the Fighting Maroons are open to having him on board.
“Iba ‘yung na feel ko nung time na ‘yun, kaya nung nalaman ko na natanggal siya, as a friend, hindi naman ako nag-hesitate na magsabing open kami and welcome siya if ever na ma-consider niya ‘yung school na tumanggap sa akin ng buong-buo nung nawalan ako ng team.”
The relationship between Rivero and Cansino has developed and changed over the years.
Besides being under one management, both Rivero and Cansino are close with former Green Archer and current Growling Tiger Brent Paraiso.
Though both are now in UP, they won’t actually get to play with each other as Rivero is graduating after Season 83 while Cansino will only be eligible come Season 84.
Still, the 6-foot-1 Rivero plans to guide the 20-year-old Cansino acclimatize with his new family.
“Who doesn’t want CJ Cansino ‘di ba? So ang gagawin ko na lang is ipa-feel sa kanya na welcome talaga siya, and ma-share sa kanya ‘yung mga puwede niya ma-consider na do’s and don’ts sa UP just to give him an idea lang din. Happy ako kasi alam ko na nasa good hands siya and kasama niya na ngayon ‘yung buong UP community sa next journey niya,” shared Rivero.
“For sure, hindi mawawala ‘yung pagmamahal niya sa UST, same as mine with La Salle. Pero ang akin lang is lahat kami nakasuporta sa kanya sa pagpasok sa UP and sa team.”
