MONTALBAN - It was a case of hitting two birds with one stone for Dioceldo Sy and his son Daniel.
The two reconnected a week ago in Perth, Australia to watch Gilas Pilipinas tangle with the host team in the final window of the opening round of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
The Blackwater team owner in the PBA wasn’t officially a part of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) delegation as he was just there to visit his Australia-based son, who currently works as marketing and partnership coordinator of Knox Basketball, which competes in the NBL 1 South conference.
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But the elder Sy timed his visit during the FIBA window so he and his son can watch the national team in action against the world No. 6 Boomers.
Knox Basketball is based in Melbourne, and Daniel had to travel four hours by plane to join his father for the game, which saw Gilas Pilipinas – playing minus the injured Justin Brownlee – lose to the Boomers, 92-49.
But it was nonetheless a pleasant reunion for the Sys. Especially Daniel, who personally got to interact with some members of the Philippine team along with Gilas program director and San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua together with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
The younger Sy likewise exchanged pleasantries with some of Australia’s basketball officials, including former NBA player and Australian national team assistant coach Luc Longley.
It’s almost two years since Daniel landed the job, making full use of his Sports Management degree earned at the Deakin University in Victoria, Australia.
“It’s been one year and six months. He started as an interim,” beamed the proud father, who is CEO and president of Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc., the mother company of Blackwater.
“And the marketing and partnership coordinator is directed to Asian countries and communities.”
While still studying, the younger Sy was among the four chosen out of a hundred applicants to take part in the NBA Summer League Sports Business Program.
Dad's 100 percent support
Obviously, he’s now applying what he learned from that stint in his current job with the NBL ballclub.
His father hopes bigger opportunities will come Daniel’s way in the future.
“Wherever he goes, I’ll support him 100 percent all the way,” said the elder Sy.
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