Mom, My No. 1: Rey Nambatac grateful for ever-supportive mother

Behind every great player is a supportive mom.

 Or, at least, that is the case for TNT gunner Rey Nambatac.

 The PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals Most Valuable Player could not help but appreciate his mother Susan’s support since he started pursuing basketball.

 Susan, according to the younger Nambatac, has been there for him every step of the way. And he will be forever grateful for having such a mom.

 Nambatac lovingly talks about his mom in this chit-chat with One Sports as Mother's Day draws near.

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One Sports: What’s your mom’s name? How old is she?

 Rey Nambatac: Susan Nambatac. 62 years old.

 OS: Are you close to your mom? Can you describe your relationship?

 Nambatac: Very, very close ako with my mother. Ever since, siya iyong matuturing kong No. 1 fan ko kasi win or lose, talagang all positive lang ang mga sinasabi niya. And there were times na bad game ako, mababa iyong morale ko, siya iyong nagtsi-cheer up sakin. Para sa akin, siya iyong No. 1 fan ko. I really appreciate my mom kasi kahit matanda na siya, nandiyan pa rin siya. Wala siyang na-miss na any game namin.

 OS: Does she still watch your games at the venue?

 Nambatac: Sa province na. Kasi medyo oldies na si mommy. Ayaw na niyang mag-travel.

 OS: What are your favorite bonding moments with your mom?

 Nambatac: Favorite bonding moment ko kay mom, kapag uuwi akong province. Talagang siya iyong priority ko. Iyong mother ko kasi, housewife siya. So nandoon lang siya lagi. Kung anong ginagawa ko, niyayaya ko siyang mag-dinner kami minsan, aalis kami. Minsan, niyayaya ko siyang lumabas ng bahay kasi lagi lang siya doon. Iyon lang ang mga bonding namin pero para sa akin, sobrang sayang nakikita ko sa mukha niya, sa mga ngiti niya kapag nandoon ako't kasama ko siya.

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 OS: What are your favorite memories of her so far?

 Nambatac: Favorite memory ko with my mom, iyong nag champion ako sa Letran way back 2015. Naalala ko noon, talagang habang naglalaro pa lang, nakikita ko siya noon, parang umiiyak na siya noon. Para na siyang magkakasakit. Pero instead na mag-alala ako, nandoon iyong ngiti ko na grabe iyong suporta, grabe iyong cheer ng mommy ko. Kasi nga sobrang gusto niyang manalo kami noon. Naiyak na lang siya. Grabe ang prayers niya.

 OS: Give a message for your mom by filling in the blanks.

 Thank you, Mom, for ______.

 Nambatac: Thank you, Mom, for being there always through my ups and downs. Nandiyan ka lagi. Never akong nakarinig sa kaniya ng negative thoughts, negative comments. So, thank you.

 OS: Sorry, Mom, for ______.

 Nambatac: Sorry, Mom, kung hindi man ako nagkaroon ng oras lagi sa iyo. Kasi nga nandito ako sa Manila, nandiyan ka sa province. But I will make sure na every time na makakauwi ako sa province, may quality time ako with you.

 OS: I love you, Mom, because ______.

 Nambatac: I love you, Mom, because you are the best mom. I love you kasi ikaw iyong talagang No. 1 fan ko ever since.