Basketball is a gift of life, a journey of a lifetime

CEBU, Philippines — The pandemic somehow brings out the best in people’s lives.

Some had their own unique ways of coping up with the challenges. There are those who boldly showcased their hidden talents, while others learned things they thought they could never do.

One of them is former PBA star Felix “Donbel” Belano, Jr, who mastered the art of video editing at the height of pandemic last year and proudly applied it in telling his inspiring life story.

Belano recently posted on social media a video clip he meticulously made. It spotlights his storied basketball career both as a player and coach.

“How it all began. Watch what this pandemic made me learn,” Belano posted on his Facebook page.

“I made this video to show my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my basketball journey,” added Belano, a three-time CAAA (now the CESAFI) and two-time national champion with the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers during his collegiate years.

In the video that ran for two minutes and 17 seconds, Belano shared some highlights for his 12-year pro career that started with the Davao Eagles in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) over two decades ago.

While playing for his hometown Davao in the 1999 MBA season, Belano etched his name in stone as the first and only player in Philippine basketball history to record a rare quadruple-double after unloading 17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and 10 steals in the Eagles’  win over the Nueva Ecija Patriots at the Araullo Gym in Cabanatuan City.

To commemorate his feat, Belano changed his jersey number from 9 to 42. As if an icing on his cake, he was honored Rookie of the Year award that year.

In that same year, Belano was drafted 14th overall by Pop Cola in the 1999 PBA Draft but did not play a single game with the franchise.

Two years later, Belano signed with the Sta. Lucia Realtors as a free agent. On his rookie year, he won his first PBA championship with the Realtors.

However, he was traded to Talk ‘N Text in May 2002 and played for seven years with the franchise where he had an impressive showing in the 2003 All-Filipino Conference where they emerged as champions.

In his twilight years in Asia’s first pro cage league, Belano saw action with the Barako Bull but retired in Sta. Lucia’s jersey in 2010.

The 44-year Belano relished his precious moments training at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA. He also attended the IMPACT Basketball of coach Joe Abunassar in Los Angeles, California, and joined the off-season training of 2013 NBA champions San Antonio Spurs in Texas.

“Thereafter, my basketball journey continued to coaching,” Belano shared. “I experienced many memorable victories in various tournaments. From CESAFI, Cebu Partner’s Cup, National PRISAA, BAP National Collegiate, Batang Pinoy.  I was designated to handle the UV-Philippine team at the 2013 Universiade Olympics in Kazan, Russia.”

Belano is currently head coach of the Cebu International School ballclub, guiding the CIS Dragons to their first championship in 2018 International Schools Activities Conference (ISAC) Meet.

In 2015, Belano founded the OBEY Coach Donbel Academy, a training center for young aspiring ballers. OBEY stands for Outstanding Basketball Enhancement for the Youth.

“My achievements as a professional player and coach will speak for my credibility and integrity. Allow me to make an impact in the lives of your children as a coach and mentor. It’s my commitment to impart into their holistic development. Going beyond basketball training, molding God’s character in their dreams and in their lives, “ said Belano.

“Basketball is beyond my sports. It’s a gift of life. Thank you partners, parents, players, coaches, and teams  for the journey of a lifetime,” Belano ended.