Once upon a time, during their humble beginnings, both Scottie Thompson and Jayson Castro relied on helping hands to guide them toward becoming the PBA stars they are today.
They came from virtually nothing, but through hard work and perseverance—and with the support of people willing to help them—they have built well-decorated careers.
Now, it’s their turn to give back.
Understanding how supporting aspiring young athletes can create a lasting impact, Thompson, Castro, and Filipino-Ivorian Olympian Maxine Esteban have found a partner in 1Pacman Partylist to further their mission of uplifting the future of Philippine sports.
“They’re into sports. Alam natin, sa Pilipinas, sobrang need natin ng support sa sports—not just basketball, not just the Gilas, but all kinds of sports na talagang tutulungan natin para umunlad,” Thompson said about 1Pacman, led by Capital1 co-owner and partylist first nominee Milka Romero.
The Barangay Ginebra guard has long been an advocate for helping the youth, particularly those from underprivileged areas. He highlighted how Esteban partnered with Romero to support athletes from Olongapo who participated in last year’s Batang Pinoy.
“I think kasama na sa generation natin ngayon, alam naman natin na as long as tumutulong and as long as doing the right way, yung intentions nila maganda para sa sports. So truly blessed yung mga athletes na may mga ganun, tumutulong para sa amin,” added Thompson, a one-time PBA MVP.
For Castro, the advocacy of helping and supporting young athletes hits close to home. After all, he himself benefited from such guidance, particularly from incumbent 1Pacman representative Mikee Romero during his early days in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).
“Since first campaign ni Boss Mikee nandoon na ako, so maganda yung programa nila para sa mga kabataan sa sports. Kung di mo na maitatanong, isa rin sila sa tumulong sa akin nung PBL days ko. So ‘yun ‘yung give back ko sa kanila kasi sila rin naman yung unang tumulong sa akin,” recalled the TNT playmaker.
Through 1Pacman, Castro hopes that support for Philippine sports will extend to even the far-flung barrios across the provinces.
“Maraming mga athlete na mga less privileged na hindi nabibigyan ng mga opportunity na ipakita o i-showcase yung talent nila. So at least nandiyan ‘yung 1Pacman para tulungan sila,” added Castro, a two-time Best Point Guard in Asia.
While Mikee Romero’s daughter, Milka, now leads 1Pacman’s initiatives, Castro is confident the organization will continue to champion grassroots sports development and the empowerment of women in athletics.
“Kung makikita mo before, hindi gano’n popular ‘yung women in sports. So ngayon, at least ‘yung PVL, volleyball, football, mga ibang sports pa na sa mga women, at least nabibigyan na ng boses, nakikita na, and nasa-showcase nila yung talent nila, which is malaking bagay yun,” said Castro.
“At least through Congressman Mikee, ngayon na si Milka, sana mas maraming matulungan silang matulungan,” he added.
For her part, Esteban shared her unwavering commitment to Philippine sports.
“It’s really my advocacy kasi kahit naman di ako pinalad na marepresent yung Pilipinas sa Olympics, ipinangako ko talaga sa sarili ko na I want to be relevant in Philippine sports and really to help athletes here in the Philippines.”
