More known as an actor, David Licauco previously played for the St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA during his college days.
David Licauco wears many hats — whether it be a businessman, an actor, or an athlete.
But not every day is a walk in the park for the 31-year-old, especially as he plunged back into competitive sports over the weekend at the Pilipinas United 3x3 League.
A former collegiate athlete for the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the NCAA in the 2010s, Licauco tried to get his spark back in sports, joining Taho Story A in the 2-day tiff at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
Having been more used to the bright lights of the camera instead of basketball arenas in the past few years, Licauco had some adjusting to do.
“I’m super happy because I am aware that you know, if I wanna play the next tournament, I really have to put my time and effort. Training, practicing,” Licauco told reporters after his team qualified for the quarterfinals.
“Syempre, of course, acting is my priority. But then, just the experience that I’m super honored and grateful dahil nabigyan tayo ng opportunity ng Taho Story and Pilipinas United 3x3.”
While his siblings like James and Jean Licauco pursued higher levels of sports in volleyball, Licauco had it as more of a past time rather than his main focus.
Thrust into a situation where he was surrounded by full-fledged athletes, Licauco said there was also an added mental challenge on his end. But with his dedication to the task, whatever it may be, the actor pushed through.
“Sa physicality naman [ng laro], there’s no problem. I feel like, yung kalaban ko lang yung sarili ko. Syempre, Minsan, yung utak mo lang talaga, kapag medyo na-anxiety ka, medyo na-stress ka, dahil syempre, it’s a big stage,” said the actor.
“Somehow I feel like I don’t belong, you know. But then, I showed up here. So, it’s my responsibility na to overcome that fear and anxiety from my way,” he continued.
Regardless of how he felt initially, Licauco is slowly coming out of his shell in the basketball court and if he gets another shot, he said he is more than willing to step up to the challenge anew — this time with more determination.
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, if given the chance and opportunity, syempre, lahat gagawin natin, pangarap [ito] ng halos lahat ng Pilipino eh,” he said.