FRUSTRATIONS should be mounting for Philip Manalang as he rode the pine for the past two games for the University of the East. But the graduating guard keeps the faith, as he tries to fulfill the role of leader for the revamped Red Warriors crew.
"Syempre bilang team captain, kahit di ako ginagamit, lagi lang akong ready. Yung leadership, di naman nawala yun eh. Kahit di ako naglalaro, nandoon ako sa labas ng court na mino-motivate sila," he said.
"Sundalo lang. Ready ako kung ano mang ibato sa akin nila coach. Kung anong kailangang gawin, susunod lang ako."
Manalang has had a tough tournament so far, norming 4.0 points on 24 percent shooting from the field, to go with 3.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes of play in four games.
With Jed Mendoza absent, the 22-year-old Manalang stepped up and helped UE get past National University. Manalang ignited the team's early start and finished with 13 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
"Yung teammates ko after the game, sabi nila sa akin, 'Welcome back.' Sabi ko di naman ako nawala. Nandito lang ako at ready lang ako para sa kanila," the 5-foot-10 court general said, happy to have finally had his breakout performance.
"Parang ito ang first na matinong game ko sa UAAP this season. Maganda agad ang nilaro ko, so iba yung kumpyansang binigay sa akin ng game na ito, sobrang taas."
Manalang may go back to the doghouse again next game, but that won't deter him from fulfilling his role of a leader for UE.
"Wala naman akong pakialam kung sino ang mag-start, if gamitin ako o hindi, basta manalo yung team namin, masaya ako bilang kapitan ng team na ito," he said.
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