THE attention was given, yet everything else was earned
This was how Robbie Jaworski grew up as a third-generation member of one of the Philippines' most prominent families.
The 24-year-old entrepreneur, son of Pasig Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski and former Asian Games gold medalist and IOC Executive Board member Mikee Cojuangco, may describe his childhood as "strict," but the lessons he learned were invaluable, thanks to front-row access to his grandfather's life lessons.
"Growing up with both parents involved in sports, they were strict and very disciplined. At a young age, we had a 'reward system' where we could only watch TV for as long as we spent reading books, or we couldn’t have desserts or soda on weekdays unless it was a special occasion or we received an award from school. It was mostly like that," Robbie shared with SPIN.ph.
From the way he was raised, the eldest grandson of PBA living legend Sonny "Big J" Jaworski reveals that it was tough to loosen up at first, but those rules shaped him into the person he is today.
READ: PBA scribes honor Jaworski with Lifetime Achievement Award
"After multiple experiences post-school, I've come to realize that success is never guaranteed. Even with luck on your side, it always favors those who work hard," he said.
Unlike his father, Robbie didn’t pursue sports professionally, though he enjoyed playing various ones casually. He was part of the basketball varsity team at Brent International School, and he also played swimming and soccer in elementary school.
"My lolo—we call him 'Dad'—never pushed us to play basketball. He didn’t want any of us to pursue it professionally, but he believed the game could teach us valuable lessons about life," Robbie shared.
One vivid memory from his childhood stands out: a time when he got hurt while playing one-on-one against his grandfather.
"When I was around 11 to 14, I'd visit him at his house, and we'd play basketball. One time, he elbowed me in the lip, and I was about to cry. But he just looked at me and said, 'It's part of the game.' We kept playing," Robbie recalled. "Dad was warm, goofy, but also had a stern side."
Although Robbie acknowledges that he had everything he needed, he also emphasizes that he was never overly pampered.
After graduating with a management degree from Ateneo de Manila University, Robbie worked at a local hotel front desk before eventually taking over the family’s hotel business.
This modest beginning reflects the wisdom he gained from his grandfather, "Big J."
"There’s this attitude my lolo instilled in us: It’s never about your individual success, it’s always about the team's success. To be a good leader, you need to start from the bottom," Robbie explained.
"My lolo taught us a lot about dealing with people. That’s always been his forte."
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