Star athlete close-up Mark Jayven Tallo (Basketball)

CEBU, Philippines - That is perhaps the reason why good things come easy for Mark Jayven Tallo. Aside from being gifted with athletic talent, he also has flaming desire to improve his craft and excel in everything he does.

"When my father introduced me to basketball, things come naturally for me. I embraced it with all my heart. When you do things heartily, things will fall your way because you're doing what you love. It's all about love and passion for the game," said Mac-Mac, as he is fondly called by his family and friends.

"My father used to tell me about his past [as a basketball player] especially all the trials and sacrifices he had been through. One thing he told me that I could not forget is the importance of hardwork in nurturing one's talent. For him, talent is nothing if you don't work hard for it," added Tallo.

Inspired by this wisdom, Tallo worked his way hard to scale greater heights at this early stage of his career.

In his last playing year with Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), Tallo left an indelible mark by steering the CIT-U Wildkittens to their first ever championship in the juniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) in 2009. That earned him a special citation from the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC).

In the same year, Tallo was named MVP during the Manila leg of the Jr. NBA Philippines, making him a sought-after cager among the country's top collegiate leagues including the prestigious UAAP where he eventually landed a spot with the La Salle Green Archers.

For now, Tallo considers that as his biggest achievement.

"So far, I think my biggest achievement is being part of the La Salle men's basketball team. It's really my childhood dream to play in college specially in a famous school," he said. "I am aware though that along with this opportunity comes a big challenge for me."

With great determination, Tallo said he is ready to face whatever lies ahead of him. "I will just give my best in everything I do. Someday, I want to be someone my family can be proud of." (FREEMAN)