TNT star Calvin Oftana, born in Cebu but raised in Negros, is sending his prayers to the victims of Typhoon Tino, including former NLEX teammate JR Quiñahan.
Calvin Oftana could not exactly celebrate even after TNT picked up its fourth straight win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday night, Nov. 7.
Oftana could only empathize with his fellow Cebuanos after Typhoon Tino's onslaught.
The Tropang 5G star, born in Cebu but was raised in Negros, has the least fortunate in his thoughts, knowing that they suffer the most in calamities such as these.
“Sobrang nakalulungkot. Siyempre, Cebuano ako. Doon ako ipinanganak. Nakalulungkot lang. 'Yong mga wala sa buhay 'yong nagsa-suffer sa mga nangyayari ngayon,” Oftana told One Sports after the Tropang 5G derailed Terrafirma, 109-95, in overtime.
[RELATED STORY: EASL to stage Meralco-Macau charity game in Cebu to support Typhoon Tino relief efforts]
Oftana was also heartbroken for his former NLEX teammate JR Quiñahan, who reportedly lost his belongings due to the flash floods that displaced hundreds of families.
“Naiiyak talaga ako noong nakita ko ang mga nangyari, lalo na for Kuya JR Quiñahan. Talagang lumubog 'yong lahat. Wala talaga. Nawalan siya ng lahat,” said Oftana.
[RELATED STORY: Athletes, esports community unite as relief efforts continue for Cebu after Typhoon Tino]
Asked whether he was able to talk to Quiñahan, who rose to prominence as the other half of the Extra Rice Inc. duo with Beau Belga at Rain or Shine, Oftana answered in the affirmative.
“Palagi ko namang nakakausap si Kuya. As of now, I think, they’re [retrieving] pa kung ano ang kaya sa bahay nila,” Oftana said.
“Kailangan nilang lahat doon ng tulong. Sana umabot talaga.”
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Oftana is sending his prayers to the victims of the typhoon.
“'Yong idinadasal ko talaga, 'yong mga nawala na mga tao, sana makita na para mabigyan ng tamang libing ng mga family nila,” Oftana said.
“Sa mga nasalanta, I pray for you, guys. We love you. Nandito lang kami para ipag-pray kayo. Sana 'yong tulong na kailangan ninyo, dumating.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.