THEY are on opposing sides now, but former University of Visayas teammates Jun Manzo and Steve Akomo will always be brothers.
That's why with the UST big man recovering from a blood clot found in his brain, the UP guard is praying Akomo will recover and get back to his old form.
"Syempre, naga-alala ako para sa kanya. Parang kapatid ko na yun sa Cebu eh," said Manzo.
"Naglolokohan nga kami palagi nun sa game. Lagi ko siyang niyayakap tapos tatanong ko lagi, 'Kamusta ka na? Anong balita sa 'yo?' Marami kaming pinagdaanan nun."
Manzo and Akomo were teammates for two years with the Green Lancers, finishing second to University of San Carlos in 2015.
"Yun yung pinakamasaya sa aming dalawa. Every game, kahit na may iniinda siya, naglaro siya at lumaban siya para makuha yung championship. Sayang lang hindi namin nakuha," recounted Manzo, still proud of the heart shown by Akomo in their time together.
"Ganoon talaga yung ugali niya. Kahit nasasaktan siya, naglalaro pa rin siya. Doon talaga ako bilib sa kanya."
The two left for Manila almost the same time, with Manzo taking his talents to Diliman as Akomo went to Espana.
"Halos sabay din kami pumunta ng Manila, late lang siya ng ilang buwan. Nalaman ko na lang na pumunta siya sa UST dahil kay (former Sacred Heart School player) Zachy Huang," he said.
"Kahit nasa ibang teams kami, masaya ako na nakakamit na niya yung mga pangarap niya. Sana gumaling siya," he said.
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