Japeth Aguilar is a Ginebra cornerstone and one of the most tenured members of Gilas Pilipinas. But to Cassy Naidas-Aguilar, he’s a husband, a father, and so much more.
"More than just an athlete” —that’s how Cassy Naidas-Aguilar chooses to describe her husband, Japeth Aguilar, the veteran star forward of Barangay Ginebra.
For Cassy, the phrase goes far beyond the court.
Almost always seen courtside during PBA games, Cassy has long been a quiet but constant figure for Japeth, providing support throughout his storied career.
But her presence is not just about being there for game nights—it’s about standing beside him through every high, every heartbreak, and everything in between.
Following Ginebra’s tough Game 7 loss against eventual champion San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifnals, Cassy remained hopeful and grounded, seeing the bigger picture despite the sting of defeat.
“It’s sad that the season is over. But then, he [still] has Gilas. Other than Ginebra or the PBA, they’re gonna do Gilas now. And after that, I’m sure they’re going to have a new conference. So this is actually year-round naman for them,” Cassy said of her husband’s basketball ventures.
“Kaya kahit na sad na tapos na ‘yung [PBA} conference ngayon, tuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung basketball, they barely have any rest. It’s year-round.”
Since tying the knot in 2019, Cassy has witnessed Japeth’s grind firsthand—as both a cornerstone for Ginebra and a dependable presence for Gilas Pilipinas.
The tough schedule, endless training, the physical toll—it’s a cycle that rarely lets up.
Still, her dedication matches his. When asked if she ever gets exhausted attending games, she didn’t hesitate with her response.
"I don’t get tired watching live, but I get really nervous,” she said.
“So sometimes I go outside of the game kapag masyado nang intense ‘yung game. I enjoy watching live also with our family, our kids, the kids enjoy.”
For any Ginebra fan, watching the team tap into its trademark "Never Say Die" spirit is an experience in itself—and for Cassy, those moments hit especially close to home.
As the years go by, Japeth’s retirement naturally creeps into the conversation. It’s an emotional topic, but one they’re facing with gratitude and grace.
"I know that Japeth only has a few more years left so we’re getting sentimental already about it. We’re going to miss it eventually,” Cassy said.
"It’s inevitable, right? He has had a very long career already. So we’re just grateful for every contract. He’s signed until he’s 40. At 40, if they still want to get him after that, then it’s totally up to Japeth, if he wants to play after that.”
Regardless of how much longer Japeth stays in the game, Cassy is clear: basketball does not define her husband.
"I tell him this all the time—he’s not just an athlete or a player. To me, he’s my husband and he’s the father of our kids, and he’s the head of our family.”
For the Aguilars, wins and losses are only part of the story. At the end of the day, Cassy knows what truly matters—and it's not found on the scoreboard.
"In tough losses like this, of course it’s sad but knowing what we have at home—we’re comfortable, we’re happy, and our kids are great, they’re healthy as well. We’re grateful for that.”