Aby Marano proud to see beau Robert Bolick overcome depression en route to NCAA success

MANILA, Philippines – Robert Bolick’s professional career has yet to formally kick off, but his girlfriend is already bracing for the worst.

Aby Marano was elated over Bolick’s latest achievement after leading San Beda College to a masterful conquest of Lyceum of the Philippines University en route to winning the 93rd NCAA men’s basketball title.

Marano and Bolick have been together since way, way back.

In fact, the star middle blocker of F2 Logistics in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) had witnessed all the difficulties in Bolick’s basketball career starting with De La Salle University before he transferred to the Red Lions.

She said she never gets tired of pushing and motivating his boyfriend to overcome these challenges.

“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam kasi nasubaybayan ko talaga yung mga struggles niya dati,” said Marano, a decorated volleyball player who is also a member of the national team.

“Every day na magkasama kami dati, nakikita mo yung depression. Ngayon, makikita mo talaga na bumalik na talaga lahat ng confidence niya at kung sino talaga siya as a basketball player. Napakasarap ng feeling.”

Marano is arguably one of the country’s most feared blockers.

Known for her devil-may-care attitude, she finds joy in standing up against taller, stronger and more experienced opponents, especially when the match is on the line.

In the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship, Marano stole the thunder from other fancied blockers from Kazakhstan, South Korea, Japan and Iran, prompting fans to conclude that her fighting heart is what the Nationals need as they embark on their journey to international prominence.

That’s why she was the proudest when she learned that Bolick dominated their title-clinching match.

“All I can say is that I am the proudest girlfriend,” she said. “Kasi nakikita ko ang sarili ko sa kanya. BMDC (beast mode don’t care) din naman kasi talaga siyang maglaro.”

Despite winning the crown — and gaining the attention of basketball scouts and talent evaluators — Marano said that joining the Philippine Basketball Association has yet to cross Bolick’s mind.

She said she would still play one more season for the Red Lions as well as try his luck with Gilas Pilipinas.

But if ever he formally makes it to the PBA, it’s going to be an entirely new chapter, not only for his career, but for their relationship as well.

“Madaming stress kapag nag-PBA na siya,” she said.

“Syempre, madaming babae. Pinaghahandaan ko na din yun. Alam natin yan. ‘Yan ang stress ko sa pag-PBA nya. Madaming babae na di maaawat.”

Marano added that aside from PBA, Bolick also raised the possibility of having a baby.

But she declined.

She said they’re still too young for that.

For now, he should remain focused and keep his eyes on another ultimate prize.