Dalph Panopio recalled his parents' immense support as he gets set to a defining moment of his basketball career: joining the PBA Season 50 Draft.
This isn’t just another rookie chasing the dream—at the heart of Dalph Panopio’s journey is the kind of support that can’t be measured in perks or trophies, but in the sacrifices his parents made long before he declared for the PBA Season 50 Draft.
Having a degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Business Management, the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout opened up about the perks of being a student-athlete in the US.
“I was a full scholar in the States,” Panopio shared, who played three seasons at Cal State Bakersfield.
“I had the chance to become a student-athlete—you get to workout and practice everyday, you get facilities, the strength conditioning program, you get food, allowance that gets you by, I had an apartment, I had a tutor building where all the student-athletes you know—sometimes they don’t have time to study on your own.”
With all these perks, the Filipino-Italian guard still made it clear that they didn’t hand him a diploma.
Still, Panopio noted that his privileges helped him navigate an unfamiliar system and set him up to succeed.
“I’m not saying they got me the degree but they really helped me and taught me as an international student. Especially for me since I didn’t know the system in the States,” he said.
For Dalph, earning that degree was never just about himself. It was about something bigger—his parents.
“Yeah, I mean it’s also something that I wanted to do. Setting studies is a priority for everybody,” Panopio said, admitting that he couldn’t imagine walking away without finishing college.
“No, I wouldn’t be fulfilled. When I went to college, I wanted to have a degree before leaving college life. I don’t know how to answer because I graduated, but I feel like I wouldn’t be happy if I stopped out of nowhere and did not finish my studies.”
[Related: LIST | 122 applicants approved for PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft]
And while the life of a US student-athlete came with perks many could only dream of, what Dalph treasures the most isn’t the system—but the sight of his parents on the day that mattered most.
“My parents went to my graduation, that was the happiest moment of my life,” he said.
“They saw me walking in the altar and I was happy I met so many people, great people, one hell of an experience.”
Ask Dalph about his parents and you’ll quickly see how deep the bond goes, as he doesn’t describe them as the typical cheer-from-the-stands-type.
Instead, the PBA hopeful calls them something else entirely.
“They’re not [super] supportive. They’re a different type of supportive, they gave up their life for mine. They sacrificed their life for me to get the chance that I have today.”
At this point of the conversation, Dalph Panopio breaks down, overwhelmed by utang na loob to his parents.
“When I talk about my parents, [I get emotional]. I love them so much. I owe them everything,” he said.
“It’s not like they spoiled me and told me everything that I have to do, I’m just so grateful. They’re always there for me, either up or down. I can’t stop crying when I’m talking about my parents. Tears of joy. I’m really excited, that's all.”
Dalph Panopio is more than just a PBA rookie applicant, he is a son still longing for his parents’ presence, unafraid to show vulnerability in a world where athletes are often expected to stay stoic.
“Miss ko na kayo, umuwi na kayo. They’re both in Italy, he can’t leave my brother, he’s 15—he’s trying to follow his career.”