Former Shell player Romy dela Rosa has spent the last two years in San Diego, California, working in the maintenance department of a boat depot.
"We’re all together here. I’m just working for my kids," Dela Rosa said in Filipino. He has three kids, the eldest is 14 years old, youngest is 6.
Former PBA power forward Django Rivera migrated to San Bernardino, California four years ago and now works in a company that deals with shipping and receiving car accessories.
Macky de Joya has made a home in Cerritos, California since migrating from the Philippines in 2001. His wife is an immigrant so he said he had no choice but to follow and be with her. Right now, De Joya is enrolled in California State University (CalState) in Dominguez Hills, taking Medical Technology.
"Before basketball, I really wanted to do something in the medical field. Now I have the time and my wife let me study again," he said.
Aside from school, De Joya is busy with his children, a 17-year old and a new-born (4 months). He said he misses his old life back in Manila.
"In America, it’s work, work, work. The way of life here is work," stressed Boyet Francisco who moved to America three years ago after a brief stint in the PBA.
"Basketball is not for long. So I thought of our kids’ future. I really want to be in the Philippines but I feel I can give my children a better future here," he added.
Francisco is now based in Glendale, California with his wife and two kids (9-year-old and 7-year-old). The couple works for a big Filipino supermarket in the area.
Bench strategist Rino Salazar said his young son was also one of the reasons why he left his career in the Philippines.
"It’s hard to devote your time for career and family. I have a small kid and he needs my guidance," he explained.
Salazar has been based in Juneau, Alaska for five years now. He lives with wife Rose who works for the State in the Department of Environment and their youngest son, Jed who’s now 11 years old. Their eldest son, Jeffrey (27) is working in Las Vegas as a graphic artist for one of the major advertising companies. Second son, Justine (20) is still in college, also in Vegas. The family gets together every two months, either in Vegas or in Alaska.
Another player who’s now prioritizing his family is former PBA "Magicman" Dondon Ampalayo who used to work the crowd in Ultra with his flawless treys. After a fruitful career with the immensely popular Ginebra San Miguel team, the talented cager decided to invest his earnings in businesses that are now doing very well.
The Cebuano has Mr. Quickie shoe repair branches scattered in malls in Cebu, as well as Reverz Water, a company that manufactures and delivers purified water.
Life, even after the PBA, has been very good to the basketball star who was smart enough to invest his PBA earnings. But recently he realized that it’s shouldn’t be all about career and business.
He said family should always be a priority. Now it’s time to pay close attention to his youngest son, Zachary. He is the reason why Ampalayo decided to be based in Sacramento, California.
"It’s more on taking care of my son. My son has a chronic asthma — to the extent that he now takes steroids. It’s all business back home. This time, he really needs us," the concerned father explained.
The Ampalayos plan to tour the East Coast after Zachary gets out of school for his summer vacation.
Most people lose themselves at the height of their career. Apparently, money and fame can be very destructive. And basketball players have been known to be gullible. But it’s good to note that these former stars who have essentially "been there and done that" have come to know that perhaps the most important thing in life remains: family.
They may have won countless PBA games and memorable championships. But these players have realized that nothing compares to being MVP- Most Valuable Parent.
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