One of the most painful experiences in life is losing a parent, and that is exactly what De La Salle University rookie Vhoris Marasigan faced earlier this year.
His father, Norris Marasigan, passed away suddenly at the age of 53 while watching Vhoris play in a 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup game on TV last April.
The 21-year-old shooting guard from Balayan, Batangas, vividly recalls the moment he learned of the tragic news.
“Kinamatay ng tatay ko eh, na heart attack siya,” Marasigan shared.
“Nanonood kasi siya ng laro ko sa PBA D-League, tapos pagkatapos ng laro, tawag nang tawag sa akin yung nanay ko. Yun pala may nangyari na sa tatay ko.”
The aftermath was especially difficult for Marasigan, a former University of the East high school standout who played for the Junior Red Warriors back in Season 82.
Following his father’s death, he seriously questioned whether he would continue playing basketball.
It took a collective effort from his loved ones to help him regain his footing amid the overwhelming grief. Marasigan even recounted a moment when he felt his father reaching out to him in a dream.
“Sobrang nawala ako sa kundisyon noon kasi hindi ko alam kung magpapatuloy pa ba ako o hindi na,” said Marasigan.
“Sabi naman ng nanay ko na ituloy ko lang kung ano yung pangarap sa akin ng tatay ko. Pati yung mga kaibigan ko, mga coaches ko, at yung mayor sa amin, sabi nila ituloy ko ang career ko para sa tatay ko.
“One time, nanaginip ako, binulungan ako ng tatay ko na ituloy ko lang yung pangarap ko. Yung mga kapatid ko, girlfriend ko – tinutulungan nila ako na i-push ko ang sarili ko na bumalik sa basketball, kasi walang tutulong sa pamilya ko kundi ako lang,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Fast forward to October 12, 2024, Marasigan played a key role in La Salle’s 77-68 victory over UE at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, scoring nine points and grabbing five rebounds.
For Marasigan, however, it was about honoring his father and repaying the trust that his coach, Topex Robinson, and La Salle had in him.
La Salle had eagerly recruited him right after high school, and Robinson was especially grateful that Marasigan heeded his advice to wait an extra year before stepping onto the collegiate court – a decision that seems to be paying off now.
“Masasabi ko sa performance ko ngayon, sobrang saya, at sobrang saya ako sa mga minutong binibigay sa akin ni Coach Topex,” Marasigan said. “Bawat pasok ko sa loob, hinihiling ko kay God na ‘Lord sana pagbigyan n’yo ako,’ and para rin sa tatay ko ito na namatay nung April.
“Actually, una kinukuha ako ng UST, tapos kinukuha din ako ng San Beda. Gusto nila akong bumalik sa kanila kasi galing ako sa kanila nung high school. Pero yung La Salle, inunahan nila ako at binigyan ako agad ng opportunity. Kaya salamat kay Coach Topex sa pagtanggap sa akin ng maayos.”
Every time he steps onto the court – whether in practice or official games – Marasigan is driven by the desire to honor his late father by giving his best effort.
Losing a parent is never easy, but he is channeling his grief into a determination to make a name for himself in the sport.
Whatever happens in his career, he knows that his father, Norris, is watching from above, likely proud of how his son is not just holding on, but thriving amid the pain of loss.
“Bibigay ko lang lagi yung best ko, at bawat laro ko iaalay ko sa pamilya ko. Sana gabayan ako lagi ni Lord at ng tatay ko,” he said.
