Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Turning 26 on Wednesday, Ian Sangalang was elated that his birthday wish came true in the form of Magnolia’s 108-95 win over Alaska to start the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
“I’m so happy. This is the gift I wished for because we need a good start. Every game counts so we really needed this game,” he said.
Sangalang also had a lot to do with fulfilling his wish.
The 6-foot-7 bruiser pumped in a double-double of 13 points, 10 boards with four blocks as he held the fort for the Hotshots’ depleted frontline.
Sangalang also found inspiration with the way top gun Paul Lee gave a good account of himself, pouring in 30 points in his first game coming off a knee injury.
“They really sacrificed for the team. When you’re coming from injury, it takes a long time before you can recover. But we really saw Paul’s heart for the game. He stepped up and showed us a way to win and I really salute him for that,” he said.
Winning wasn’t the only thing that made Sangalang’s day special. He’s also happy to see his former college teammate Ronald Pascual make a successful return to the PBA.
“I’m so happy for Ronald because he did his best to return to the PBA,” he said of his fellow San Sebastian alum.
Pascual was out of the league after an unceremonious run at San Miguel, GlobalPort and Blackwater, where he languished on the bench. Luckily for him, he was able to pick himself up and get a fresh start with ALAska where he was reunited with his other college teammate Calvin Abueva.
“Ronald is a good person. Maybe he got frustrated when his dad died, but I’m happy that he’s back inside the court playing again. I’m happy that he’s still blessed until now,” he said.