Boy Cabahug proud to galvanize family’s legacy with UV Lancers

CEBU, Philippines —  Basketball runs in his blood.

His grandfather, lawyer Cesar Cabahug, was a vital cog of the Visayan Institute (now the University of the Visayas) ballclub that became the National Open champions in 1938 and was the only Filipino team to beat the  visiting Waseda University ballers of Japan in that same year.

His father, Eduardo “Skipper” Cabahug, left a mark as top gunner and co-captain of the UV Green Lancers that ruled the 2nd National Inter-Collegiate Championships at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila in 1957. Coached by Eduardo “Eddiegul” R. Gullas and co-captained by his younger brother Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas, UV outclassed the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the final, 64-53, in the first ever televised game in Philippine basketball history.

When his time came to carry the torch of his family’s legendary stint with the UV Lancers, Elmer ‘Boy’ Cabahug did not disappoint, even performing beyond expectations.

Boy Cabahug gained distinction as the first and only UV cager to have won an MVP award, a championship, and a National Inter-Collegiate title both in high school and college.

He was named Juniors MVP of the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (now the CESAFI) in 1981, the year the Baby Lancers bagged the CAAA crown and emerged as National Inter-Secondary champions after slaying the San Beda Red Cubs, then led by Ronnie Magsanoc and Dindo Pumaren.

In college, he was honored as season MVP after powering the Lancers to the 1983 CAAA title. With the equally-talented Al Solis and Anthony Mendoza among his notable teammates, they edged past the Arellano University Flaming Arrows, powered by the vaunted tandem of Joey Loyzaga and Willy Pearson, to clinch the National Inter-Collegiate plum in 1984.

Cabahug’s sterling resume in the amateur ranks that include a stint with Mama’s Love and RFM-Swift in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL) became his ticket to the national team.

After a brief tour of duty donning the country’s tri-colors, Cabahug made it to the PBA as Alaska’s second round pick and eighth overall in the 1989 Draft.Benjie Paras, the top pick by Formula Shell, went on to set a record as the first and only PBA player to claim both the Rookie of the year and season MVP honors at the same time.

Cabahug, best known for his impeccable long-range shooting that earned him the nickname ‘The Silencer’ and ‘The Hitman’, swiftly made an impact in Asia’s first pro league after earning the PBA All-Star MVP award during his rookie season.

After a splendid 10-year journey with the Alaska Milkmen, Purefoods Hotdogs, Pepsi Mega Hotshots, and Sta. Lucia Realtors that brought him two championships and one-time selection to the Mythical Second Team, Cabahug called it quits in the PBA in 1998, the same year he was elected councilor of Mandaue City.

“I have no regrets with my decisions. It was all enough for me to play 10 years in the PBA. At my age that time, I opted to start a new chapter, which was to serve my fellow Mandauehanons as a City Councilor,” said Cabahug.

But when another chance to play hoops on the national stage came his way following the creation of the  Pangasinan Waves in the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), Cabahug did not let it slip  out of his hands.

“Luckily, the Pangasinan Waves was created in 1999 and offered me to play with them. I refused initially, but they insisted and allowed me to play with them while serving my duties as Mandaue City councilor. After my  contract with MBA, I decided to relocate my family from Manila to Cebu because my father was ill,” he recalled.

It was then that Cabahug found a golden opportunity to give back to his beloved alma mater by taking the coaching reins of the UV Green Lancers in the CESAFI (formerly the CAAA).

Since CESAFI’s birth in 2001, Cabahug steered the Lancers to an amazing nine straight championship until 2009, a record that still stands today and perhaps a mission impossible for any team that will try to surpass or even just match it.

 “I have always advice my players to discipline themselves since I am not the one who leads the champion but their teamwork and play. I don’t treat them as stars, but I treat them fairly and just. I have trained them to  be the best that they can be individually and as a team. I prefer a player with a good attitude and hard working than a talented one with an unpleasing attitude,” said Cabahug in sharing UV’s recipe for success during his time.

“The support from the Gullas’ family was also an important drive that helped us achieve our CESAFI record of nine straight championship,” he added.

In retrospect, the 56-year-old Cabahug considers making it to the national team and the PBA among his  biggest achievements. But he is equally proudest for being part of his family’s enduring legacy in the hallowed portals of UV basketball. Theirs is a family story that is one for the books.

“Being part of three generations of basketball players with the UV Green Lancers, from Lolo Cesar, Papa Eddie and me, is something that I am very proud of since we contributed and gave honor to the reputation of the University of the Visayas,” said Cabahug.

For aspiring athletes out there, Cabahug has some words of wisdom for them to succeed and reach their aspirations in life.

“Never give up on your dreams and always work hard for it. One must always posses the STAR quality to become successful in sports. S-sportsmanship, T-teamwork, A-attitude and R-respect,” said Cabahug. “Anyone can be a good player, but a few are chosen to excel.”

“The values that you learn as an athlete will always be tattooed in your mind and body. What you experience in the game as a player can also be applied to you or anyone’s life. Not everyone can be given the chance to become a champion in life, but the people will remember your journey which will then turn into a legacy. And always remember to put God at the center of everything that you do.”