BACOLOD holds a special place in the hearts of Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar even before they were chosen as team captains for the PBA All-Star Game this year.
The last time that Barroca was in the ‘City of Smiles’ was in 2009 when he was still playing for Far Eastern University during the University Games regularly hosted by the city.
Barroca recalls FEU win
The Tamaraws won that competition during that time, beating Ateneo, one of the championships that Barroca captured before he moved on to the Smart Gilas program which was formed that same year.
“Special sa akin ‘to dahil last na pumunta ako dito, 2009. FEU days na Unigames, champion kami,” said Barroca.
First plane ride for Aguilar
Meanwhile, Aguilar said he will never forget Bacolod because it was the first time he rode an airplane on his way to the University Games in 2004.
“Galing akong Pampanga. First time ko makasakay ng eroplano, papuntang Bacolod,” Aguilar revealed.
Like Barroca, Aguilar, who played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, said they won the championship.
It also marked the first time Aguilar was exposed to other dishes outside Pampanga,
“Medyo tumatak sa akin nung nag-Ateneo ako. Tapos doon din ako na-expose sa iba’t ibang Filipino food like inasal. Ever since noon, doon na nag-start na sana makabalik ako,” he said.
As Aguilar’s career flourished, he also got more airplane rides, most notably during his time in the NCAA Division 1 with Western Kentucky, his stint in the NBA G League, Smart Gilas 1.0, and Gilas Pilipinas.
“After a long while, nakabalik ako uli,” said Aguilar, referring to Bacolod.
Barroca and Aguilar will captain their respective teams in the PBA All-Star Game on Sunday, a privilege that they are taking seriously since it was the fans who put them in that position.
Barroca wants to repay the fans with an entertaining and competitive game.
“Kami, bigay namin best namin kasi gusto naming mag-compete talaga na high level basketball kasi gusto namin maging special ‘yung All-Star dito sa Bacolod. Itatry namin ‘yung best namin na manalo sa game,” said Barroca.
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