SMART CLARK GIGA CITY , Philippines — More than 500 kms away, Troy Rosario of TNT Tropang Giga can feel the misery of his provincemates from typhoon-ravaged Abulug in Cagayan.
“Malungkot kasi sa hinaharap ng mga kababayan ko ngayon na magpa-Pasko tapos may pandemya pa. Talagang ramdam ko yung lungkot nila,” Rosario said from inside the PBA bubble.
Cagayan was one of the areas worst hit by Typhoon Ulysses, with widespread flooding, loss of lives and damage to property.
Through his wife and some fans, Rosario has reached out to the people of Cagayan, and vowed to visit them once the opportunity arises.
“Tapusin ko lang ang trabaho dito. Promise ko na pagkatapos ng bubble, uuwi ako. Inspirasyon ko sila. Dagdag na motivation sila sa akin,” added the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay.
Rosario came from humble beginnings up north, and he makes it a point to give back to the place he calls home.
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Phoenix hotshot Matthew Wright further solidified his stature as the best player in the bubble thus far after copping the Cignal TV-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors at the end of the eliminations and quarterfinals.
The 6-foot-4 gunner normed 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists this week, including a game-winner against Magnolia that sent Phoenix Super LPG to the Final Four against TNT.
Meanwhile, Aaron Black (9.3 ppg, 36 percent 3pt, 3.0 rpg 1.7 apg) earned his second straight Rookie of the Week citation being handed out by the members of the media covering the PBA beat.
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Commissioner Willie Marcial will formally recommend to the Board of Governors this month the retention of traditional awards for the shortened yet special 45th Season in recognition of the sacrifices of players being away from their families.
Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sportsmanship, Mythical Team and All-Defensive Team honors would be handed out like in normal times pending the board approval.