AT times when Magnolia players settle themselves to play defense during PBA games, expect to hear an all-too-familiar voice shouting instructions from the bench, seemingly from one of the Hotshots' deputy coaches.
“Stay low!” the loud voice bellowed.
From afar, you'd think it was Chito Victolero or one of his deputies hollering from the sidelines - until you realize it was Manuel "Ningma" Vilbar, the pint-sized, do-it-all member of the Hotshots' utility staff.
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Asked about it, Maning said the Hotshots need all the reminding they can get – even from outside the coaching staff.
“Pampagising lang din sa mga players,” Vilbar said after one practice. “Kung minsan nadadala din ako eh. Sisigaw ako, ‘stay low,’ ‘defense.’ Para mabuhayan din mga player, kasi gusto ko manalo. Sayang yung bonus din namin. Nakasalalay din sa amin yun eh.”
Like his fellow support staff Jun "Boy Sukat" Rillo, Vilbar has become a familiar figure among PBA fans in his almost two decades with the Purefoods franchise, thanks to his jolly ways and booming voice.
‘Maning’ Pacquiao?
If Vilbar knows a thing or two about proper defensive stances among ballers - or at least thinks so - it was because he used to be a champion amateur boxer.
In the mid-1980s, the native of Basak, Cebu trained in a gym at the back of the Cebu Coliseum and was part of a 13-man stable that included future world champion Gerry Peñalosa.
Even before Peñalosa became a two-division world title belt holder, Vilbar already tasted success when he won a light-flyweight title in the Amateur Boxing Association of Cebu (ABAC).
Under Cebu promoter Wakee Salud, who handled him pro bono, Vilbar decided to turn pro early and take his act to Manila upon the advice of his cousin.
Vilbar was supposed to be fighting under a new promoter in Jesse Abrea, but the fighter’s career stalled after finding out the promoter had a problem with the Games and Amusements Board.
Vilbar found his way to LM gym in Mandaluyong, where the great Manny Pacquiao used to train. Staying in shape with sparring partners, Vilbar caught the eye of a Japanese promoter after a tryout.
But Vilbar’s cousin stopped him, saying he should stick with Abrea, although Vilbar insisted he had no contract with the promoter. Vilbar was left empty-handed.
“Pinigilan ako ng pinsan ako. First time ko kasi sa Manila. Medyo ignorante pa ako dati,” he admitted. “Hindi natupad pangarap ko. Yun ang unang ambiyson ko.”
Cuneta connection
The Cebuano fighter eventually found work in construction, where he also found his unlikely connection to basketball.
Living at his boss’ office beside Cuneta Astrodome, Vilbar would get a chance to watch PBA games at the Pasay venue, where a good friend who had connections with Ginebra introduced him to some players.
Vilbar found his way into the PBA as a part-time masseur for the Gin Kings in the early 1990s. He was so liked by the players that former Gin King Elmer Lago even offered him work in the US to drive for Lago’s mom, but Vilbar chose to stay.
“Pinili ko basketball kasi gusto ko rin mag-exercise.”
From there, Vilbar bounced around as a utility staff from the PBA All-Star legends team that traveled to provinces in the late 1990s, to Magnolia in the defunct Philippine Basketball League under coach Koy Banal.
Then he finally settled into his current home with the Purefoods franchise in the mid-2000s under coach Ryan Gregorio.
Vilbar has since put on various hats as masseur and taper in practices and even referee in scrimmages. He’s also proud to help their shooters, most especially Paul Lee, hone their skill as their passing partner.
“Laging maaga yun, kasi magshu-shooting yun,” Vilbar said of Lee. “Gusto niya quick pass, chest pass. Ayaw niya yung lamya-lamya.”
“Akin naman, nakukundiyson din ako dun, kasi pawis, takbo ako,” the 55-year-old saff added. “Talagang maaga din ako matulog para kundisyon din ako. Iwas muna sa inom-inom.”
Victolero attests to the importance of Vilbar’s work behind the scenes.
“Si Maning, laking tulong niyan sa team. Talagang dedicated siya, committed. Lahat ng players, talagang malaking tulong siya. Hindi lang yan nagte-tape, nagma-masahe pa yan. Nagbibigay ng bola. Tapos nag-che-cheer. Nagco-coach pa. Madami siyang contribution sa team.”
“Ang laki na ng ambag niya dito sa team na ‘to,” Victolero added. “Sobrang bait na tao niyan. Sobrang sipag. And I think malaking role nila kasi dito eh. Hindi lang naman si Maning. Lahat naman ng support staff namin. Kung bakit ganito din yung team namin, kung bakit successful in the last few seasons, because of them also.”
While players and coaches have come and gone, Vilbar has been a fixture in the popular ballclub for almost 20 years now.
“Sa amin kasi, talagang mahalin mo trabaho mo para hindi ka (mawala),” he said. “Yung mga player naman, pag nate-trade sila, nasasaktan din kami kasi mababait din kasi. Pero that’s life eh. Sa amin naman, sa awa ng Diyos, trabaho lang.”
Vilbar has enjoyed the fruits of his labor, providing for his family and sending money to his parents in Cebu. He has even bought a house and lot in Leyte that only needs some renovation, and has also acquired a small lot in Cebu.
Now living in a Taguig apartment, Vilbar enjoys his time with his family – wife Arlene and their two kids – a 24-year-old son they have already put through school and a 16-year-old daughter who’s in senior high school.
Vilbar is also a breeder of dogs. Take your pick: French Bulldog, Corgi, Jack Russell Terrier, or a Pomeranian.
“Libangan ko at para extra income din,” he said, thanking former Hotshot Rodney Brondial for helping him start the business by giving him one of his French Bulldogs.
They split the earnings on the first puppy, then Brondial let Vilbar keep the entire income for the next batches. Magnolia veteran guard Mark Barroca has bought a Jack Russell from him, while Ian Sangalang got a Shih Tzu.
Still, it’s Vilbar’s work as an all-around staff for the Hotshots that keeps him happiest.
“Hanggang ngayon, sa awa ng Diyos, still fighting. I love my work,” he said with a smile. “Hanggang kailan gusto mo, laban. Pero depende din. Diyos na ang bahala."
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