Gilas Pilipinas and Brgy. Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos shared the weight—and strength—of growing up without a father in an exclusive interview with One Sports.
There are stories athletes tell because one is proud of them. And there are stories to tell because carrying them is something no one person should bear.
For RJ Abarrientos, this is the latter.
"Actually, wala ako masyadong kwento or experience with my dad, kasi growing up, hindi ko na nakita si dad ‘eh.”
RJ didn’t just lose a father figure—he never even got the chance to meet the man.
"Hindi talaga kami nagkita, as in hindi ko siya nakita in person, wala akong idea sa personality niya.”
The only memory he holds is the hardest one. His father passed away due to sickness while RJ was still navigating his high school years at FEU.
"High school ako when I was in FEU, nagkasakit si Papa. ‘Yun yung naging cause of death niya. Yun na yung pinaka last na naalala ko [tungkol sa kanya].”
Growing up without a father is never easy—and RJ felt that weight early. But that absence became both a burden and an unexpected edge for the basketball rising star.
“Naging mahirap noong bata ako and growing up,” he said.
“Pero siguro na figure out ko na hindi naman ibig sabihin na wala yung daddy ko, lalaki akong pasaway or iba yung direksyon.”
For Abarrientos, everything happens for a reason, even the painful parts.
"Siguro may reason si God kaya ganun yung nangyari sakin.”
When asked if he ever wished he had a father beside him, RJ didn’t hesitate.
"Pag mag isa akong nagda-drive or nasa kwarto, nasasabi ko rin sa wife ko na mas okay sakin na may dad.”
Like any kid, RJ longed for moments where both parents showed up—a milestone he never got to experience in his basketball career.
"Syempre mas proud siya na nakikita niya yung anak niya na naglalaro ng basketball,” RJ said, whose basketball career milestones include Rookie of the Year wins in the KBL and the PBA.
"Kapag nakakakita ako ng ibang pamilya, mga kabataan sa [basketball] clubs at nag e-extra work ako offseason, nakikita ko na nandun yung daddy nila naghihintay para sa kanila.”
It makes him sad, yes. But that empty space his dad was supposed to fill? It didn’t stay empty for long.
RJ grew up surrounded by love and guidance from the people around him.
"Lumaki naman ako na alam ko sa sarili ko na naging thankful ako sa mga taong nagpalaki sakin kahit wala akong daddy ever since.”
The circle of life took something of great value from RJ, but it also gave him warriors.
His mother. His grandparents. And PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos, who stepped in not just with guidance, but with presence.
"May mommy naman ako, may grandparents ako, and si Tito Johnny Abarrientos na laging nandyan para sa akin at guinaguide ako.”
RJ never had the chance to know his father, butt he learned what family means from those who stayed.
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Gillian Trinidad began her career in the industry as a content producer before finding her voice as a feature writer.
She has covered a wide range of competitions—from esports titles like League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and VALORANT to traditional sports and entertainment, including the WWE, PBA, and Gilas Pilipinas.