Life’s like a fast break for Dondon Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines — Ever since he was a kid, service to others is already embedded in the heart and mind of Cebuano basketball icon Donaldo “Dondon” Cabañes Hontiveros.

That is because early on his life, he learned so much from his parents and a priest friend Fr. Lan Guiao about the beauty of serving the community.

“I love doing community service since I was young,” Hontiveros shared. “And when I was starting to make an income, the more I was encouraged by my parents to share and make an impact sa ubang tawo. I think they mentioned, “Dili nimu matabangan ang tanan pero ang importante nakatabang ka”.

His ardent desire to make a difference in the lives of others through public service became his outlet to enter the world of politics.

“On joining politics, sir Mike Rama gave me the task for youth and sports so nisuway ko if I can make a difference,” the former University of Cebu (UC) standout continued.

Before throwing his hat in politics, Hontiveros was a decorated athlete. He first shot to fame as a vital cog of the Cebu Gems in the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) way back in the late ‘90s.

That served as his launching pad to the PBA where he played a total of 17 seasons with the Tanduay Rhum Masters, San Miguel Beermen/ Magnolia Beverage Masters, Air21 Express, Petron Blaze Boosters, and finally with the Alaska Aces.

A three-time PBA champion and 13-time All-Star, Hontiveros is best known for his sharpshooting skills.

But the former member of the national team is also excellent at fast break plays.

And the 44-year-old Hontiveros is living that kind of life now. As in playing hoops, his rapid ascent to the political ladder seemed like a fast break.

Right in his first shot at a city council seat during the May 2019 elections, Hontiveros enjoyed overwhelming success after garnering the most number of votes among all councilorial bets in both north and south districts.

Following the rule of succession, Hontiveros, being the No.1 councilor, assumed the post as Vice Mayor when Mike Rama was sworn in as Mayor of Cebu City following the death of Mayor Edgardo Labella in November last year.

Hontiveros knows very well that being the second most important official of the so-called Queen City of the South is a tough job to handle especially for a neophyte in politics like him.

But Hontiveros is ready to rise above the challenge armed with the valuable lessons he learned as an athlete that are applicable to his new role as vice mayor.

“I’m always ready to face any challenge,” said Hontiveros. “I already experienced that as a player. No matter how hard you prepare based on the gameplan of your team, there are times that it’s not exactly the same scenario that will happen in the game. As in life, not everyday you plan out will happen so you must brace for any eventuality and be ready at all times to deal with unexpected situations that come your way.”

“Everything is a learning process. I will strive hard and get out of my way to make an impact to the community and become a public servant with a heart that listens and work for the welfare and best interest of the people I serve,” Hontiveros concluded.