Gilbert Bulawan. Photo by PBA IMAGES
Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan suffered a heart attack and passed away on Sunday. He was 29.
The 6-foot-4 Bulawan collapsed during the team’s practice at SGS Gym in Quezon City. He was immediately rushed to Capitol Medical Center but was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Yes, he’s gone na,” confirmed Elite team owner Dioceldo Sy in a text message.”It was so sad. Nag-collapse sya sa ensayo and we were there,” said Sy. “I’m going to miss our jokes and his mano. He always calls me ‘boss ninong’ because he’s my inaanak pa naman sa kasal.”
The San Sebastian alumnus averaged 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds last conference for Blackwater.
He was picked 17th by Meralco in the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft before seeing action for Barako Bull and eventually, Blackwater.
PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa extended his condolences to Bulawan’s family and asked for prayers.
“We are very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our beloved players and a member of our PBA family, Gilbert Bulawan. On behalf of the PBA, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and I would like to request everyone to pray for his eternal and peaceful rest,” the statement read.