PHILIP Manalang is wasting no time in opening a new chapter to his basketball career.
After ending his collegiate career for University of the East on Wednesday, the 5-foot-8 guard is ready to start his career with Basilan Steel in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on the same day.
"Oo. Lalaro na ako mamaya para sa Basilan," he said.
Despite the scheduled double duty, the 22-year-old gave it his all in his final game for the red-and-white.
"One hundred-percent ang nilaro ko rito," he said.
Manalang posted five points, seven assists and four rebounds in the Red Warriors' 79-77 victory over National University to cap off their campaign in UAAP Season 82.
He averaged 5.6 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds in his fifth year in Recto.
Still, Manalang insists that he has a lot left in the tank ahead of Basilan's 6:30 p.m. game against the Quezon City Capitals at Bulacan Capitol Gym.
"May time pa sa biyahe para magpahinga. Pagdating dun, pukpok na ulit," he said.
Though Manalang failed to reach the Final Four in all of his five years in UE, he's wishing that luck would soon smile on him as he embarks on this new endeavor.
"Yung di ko na-achieve dito, yung Final Four at yung championship, sana doon ko makuha," he said.
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