Blackwater dedicates every game to Bulawan | Inquirer Sports

Blackwater dedicates every game to Bulawan

/ 08:15 PM July 16, 2016

PBA IMAGES

PBA IMAGES

After the tragedy that befell the Blackwater camp before 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup, all the Elite wants to do is to dedicate their games to their fallen teammate Gilbert Bulawan.

Just before the team started their campaign in the season-ending conference, Blackwater had a short ceremony commemorating the San Sebastian bruiser on Saturday as it retired his number 11 jersey.

Article continues after this advertisement

The team will also wear a black number 11 patch on their uniforms for the rest of the conference to remember their late comrade.

FEATURED STORIES

“Dine-dedicate namin yung every game para sa kanya,” said Bulawan’s close friend Reil Cervantes.

Though the Elite lost to NLEX, 96-90, to open the conference, they refused to back down and fought from a 17-point hole, an effort Bulawan will surely be proud of.

Article continues after this advertisement

It has been a roller coaster ride for Blackwater, especially for Cervantes who had to see his friend pass out in his arms.

Article continues after this advertisement

Bulawan fainted during the team’s practice on July 3 at SGS Gym and was rushed to Capitol Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The 29-year-old forward suffered a massive heart attack which cut his career short.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Akala ko nagbibiro lang sya kasi napayakap kaya niyakap ko rin sya,” Cervantes, who took the death of his friend hard, recounted. “Mahirap sa akin yung first three days. Hindi nga ako nag-practice for almost a week yata.”

“Syempre masakit sa akin kasi araw-araw magkatabi kami, sa out-of-town magkasama kami kahit saan.”

Article continues after this advertisement

But Blackwater has to move on and Cervantes knows that though Bulawan is no longer with them physically, he will always be the team spiritually.

“Natalo nga kami ngayon pero babawi na lang kami oara sa kanya next game,” he said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Basketball, Gilbert Bulawan, PBA, PBA Governors' Cup, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.