Proud Kapampangan torch bearers

Inside the bubble

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY, Pampanga, Philippines — Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and TNT’s Jayson Castro both take pride and honor representing Pampanga in the PBA Philippine Cup finals, in no less than their hometown.

Both natives of Sasmuan, a nearby town about 20 miles away from the Clark bubble venue, Aguilar and Castro hope to inspire the Kapampangan kids.

“Masaya at proud ako na dito sa Clark ginawa ang bubble. Hopefully, ma-inspire naming mga Kapampangan players yung mga aspiring na batang Kapampangan para maka-create pa ang Pampanga ng maraming PBA players in the future,” Aguilar told The STAR.

“Sobrang happy kami kasi both teams may naka-represent ng Pampanga. Sana marami kaming ma-inspire na upcoming PBA players at mga batang nangangarap makapunta sa PBA,” said Castro.

Arwind Santos, Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and coach Yeng Guiao are among other proud Kapampangans rising not just to carve niche in the PBA but carry national colors in international meets.

From once small kids with big dreams, they have written their stars above for young dreamers to emulate.

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Two games into the finals, online viewing has started to heat up with consecutive record numbers from passionate fans in the comfort of their homes.

From over 280,000 in Game 1, the numbers peaked to almost 300,000 (293.2K) in Game 2 for another milestone in PBA’s online engagement that has become the viewing norm in this pandemic.

No fans in the venue, no problem for the PBA.

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With yet another go-ahead basket, Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson played it down as another lucky shot.

“Buti sa huli, na-open. Tinira ko lang, na-shoot naman. Good things happen. Tsamba na naman,” he smiled.

Inside the bubble, it’s one thing to be good, and it’s another to be lucky for Scottie.

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Injured star guard Bobby Ray Parks Jr. is still doubtful to suit up for TNT Tropang Giga in their virtual must-win Game 3 today although feeling better after a needed rest.

“He’s still under observation. He remains questionable (to play),” said TNT mentor Bong Ravena.

Possibly still without Parks, the Tropang Giga have to dig deep to stay alive in the bubble.