CALVIN Abueva was as shocked as everybody else upon learning the death of Blackwater big man Gilbert Bulawan on Sunday.
Abueva was a teammate of Bulawan with the last San Sebastian team that won the NCAA men’s basketball championship in 2009. ‘The Beast’ was in his rookie season that year and served as the Stags’ sixth man behind starters Jimbo Aquino, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual, Pamboy Raymundo, and Bulawan.
“Oo nga eh, nagulat din ako. Nag-iisip ako ano ang nangyari sa kanya,” said Abueva when reached just a few minutes after reports of Bulawan’s death came out.
“Wala naman kasi akong alam na may nararamdaman siya,” added the Alaska forward, who immediately went out of his way to check on his fallen teammate.
Like Abueva, the rest of the basketball community also expressed sympathy to the family and loved ones of the late 6-foot-5 Bulawan, the second round pick of the Meralco Bolts (17th overall) during the 2011 PBA draft.
Here are the tweets of other PBA players after news emerged of Bulawan's untimely death.
Prayers for Gilbert Bulawan and his Family! RIP! ????
— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) July 3, 2016
Shocked to hear about Gilbert Bulawan. So young. So soon. Prayers for his family.????
— Richard del Rosario (@charddelrosario) July 3, 2016
Sad day pls pray for Gilbert Bulawan family.To Gilbert thank u for always being so respectful everytime we go against each other #RIPbulawan
— Mark Caguioa (@officialMC47) July 3, 2016
My condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan. Had spent a short period with him at Barako always smiling. Deepest sympathies to his fam!!
— Dawg4GlobalPort™ (@4TheRealDawg) July 3, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to Gilbert Bulawan and his loved ones. May your soul rest in peace.
— Harvey Carey II (@ManilaBlack4) July 3, 2016
Deepest condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan!#RIPGilbertBulawan
— Chris Newsome (@New11New) July 3, 2016
Condolences to the Family of Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers sent to his loved ones. Rest in Peace Gilbert! ????????
— Kevin Louie Alas (@kevinlouiealas) July 3, 2016
Sad news today. Condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan. Rest in peace ????????????
— Jeffrei (@jeffreichan) July 3, 2016
Heart is heavy hearing the news of Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers go out to his family and loved ones. #RIP
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) July 3, 2016
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