The Philippine basketball scene was rocked on Sunday as Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest while in training.
As the news of his demise broke, his fellow players took it to social media to pay tribute to the hard nosed defender.
Gabe Norwood, who is deep into preparations for Gilas’ bid in the Fiba Olympic qualifiers, were among the first to send out his condolences.
READ: Blackwater’s Gilbert Bulawan collapses in practice, passes away at 29
“Heart is heavy hearing the news of Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers go out to his family and loved ones. #RIP,” the Rain or Shine forward said.
“Sad day pls pray for Gilbert Bulawan family.To Gilbert thank u for always being so respectful everytime we go against each other #RIPbulawan,” tweeted Mark Caguioa.
Jimmy Alapag: “Saddened to hear the news about our PBA brother Gilbert Bulawan. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. #RIP”
Veteran Eric Menk also expressed his shocked: “Man. I can’t believe this sad news. Enjoy life & loved ones while we can. To the Bulawan family, condolences”
Former teammates also paid respects to the 29-year-old forward, who collapsed in Blackwater’s practice Sunday and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
“Kagulat yun a. RIP sa aking dating kakampi and kaibigan Gilbert Bulawan,” said Allan Mangahas.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my former teammate Gilbert Bulawan. My most sincere condolences go out to his family. RIP bro,” Bacon Austria added.
Mangahas and Austria were teammates with Bulawan in the PBA D-League, where they led Blackwater to the 2013 Foundation Cup title.
Bulawan’s peers in his former teams Meralco and Barako Bull also sent out kind words about him.
Chris Ross couldn’t help but remember how he and Bulawan started as workout buddies in the amateurs before they found themselves in the PBA.
“My first workout partner when we played for Pharex in the PBL & my teammate again at Meralco! My heart hurts. Great teammate BETTER person!”
“RIP to my former teammate Bradr Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers to his wife Doctora Icy and his family,” wrote Asi Taulava.
Dorian Pena: “My condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan. Had spent a short period with him at Barako always smiling. Deepest sympathies to his fam!!”
“R.I.P. kosang gilbert bulawan nakakagulat at nakakalungkot na balita na nawalan tayo ng tunay kaibigan, hindi lang sa basketball,” said Willie Miller.
Danny Seigle: “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my former teammate Gilbert Bulawan. My most sincere condolences go out to his family. RIP bro.”
The former San Sebastian Stag was known as a pesky defender throughout his career, battling bruisers down low despite being an undersized big man, a fact that is not lost on his fellow players.
“Those Bulawan elbows during practice in my D League days toughened me up for sure. Always made practice more fun. R.I.P to Gilbert,” wrote Alex Mallari.
Karl Dehesa said: “RIP Gilbert Bulawan. Went to battle against him in the D league and PBA. Always a nice dude off the court too. Prayers to u and your family.”