NORMALLY brooding, Terrence Romeo was the picture of calm and contentment on Friday night. A total surprise, really, considering his TNT KaTropa side had just absorbed a 116-103 beating at the hands of Magnolia.
Not that he’s happy about the loss that left TNT precariously tied for eighth place with sister team Meralco (at 4-6). But the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay greeted both friends and rivals on his way out of the venue and had a ready smile for everyone.
Romeo later shared to SPIN.ph the reason behind his cheerful disposition.
“Inspired ako,” the TNT star guard said. “May baby na talaga ako, pero hindi ko pa nadadala (sa game), minsan sa game dadalhin ko.”
The former UAAP MVP out of Far Eastern University was so proud of his five-month old son named Terrence Jr., who he said he owes his happiness.
Romeo said he can't wait to get home to his baby after each game and practice. He however didn't reveal anything about the baby's mother or on whether he's married or not.
“Masaya, masaya nakakawala ng pagod every after practice gusto ko umuwi agad tapos nakakapagdagdag ng inspiration sa akin,” he said.
Romeo, who has figured in a number of controversies and is currently still under suspension from Fiba for his role in the Gilas-Australia brawl in July, said he's making a deliberate effort to tone down his act so he can be a role model to his son.
No wonder he was calm and composed during the TNT loss to Magnolia, scoring a team-best 23 points.
“Isa na rin ‘yun kasi kailangan kong maging (good example sa kanya), ayaw ko na paglaki niya iba ‘yung maging tingin niya sa akin,” he said. “Kaya gusto ko makalakihan niya ang tamang attitude na matured attitude."
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