Marlou Aquino ecstatic for son Matt's stint with Japan basketball team

MANILA, Philippines – “Take this opportunity.''

These were the words of Marlou Aquino to his son, Matthew, first with the Shinshu Brave Warriors in the B. League and now with Japan’s national basketball pool.

“Of course, gusto natin nandito sa naglalaro locally pero hindi siya masyado nabigyan ng pagkakataon. Siyempre, nanghihinayang,” reflected the elder Aquino, who was a star with Adamson University in the UAAP and for 15 years with Ginebra and Sta. Lucia in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“Bilang magulang at dating manlalaro, masayang masaya ako sa opportunity na dumating sa kanya,” beamed the proud father. “Siguro, heto yung bawi. Yung pagkakataon na hindi niya nakuha sa Pilipinas ay nandoon sa Japan.”

Matthew was named to Japan’s national training pool last Tuesday. He was temporarily deactivated by the Brave Warriors as he received the call-up.

Matthew has been carrying a Japan passport as well since his mother, Marjorie, is half-Japanese while his grandmother is pure Japanese.

“Alam mo, dito ako nakilala at dito rin ako naglaro,” added Marlou who like his son stands 6’9”. “Nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon at hindi sa kanya. Iba na rin kasi yung panahon. Hindi rin naman ako marunong nung una. Nagtiyaga ako at talagang natutukan din ako.”

At first, Marlou stopped Matthew from moving to Japan. But as it became apparent that the local leagues were battling uncertainty, he relented. “Baka mawala pa yung opportunity,” he admitted. “Pinaalam ko rin siya sa Sta. Lucia at kay Boss Buddy Encarnado (Matthew was signed to the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League). Sobrang suportado rin sila. Alam nila magandang pagkakataon din ito.”

The father is keenly following his son’s new adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun. “Kapag established na siya roon, pupunta kami ng pamilya roon para suportahan siya,” promised Marlou. “Sa ngayon, sobrang excited kaming lahat dito para sa kanya. Sana, heto na at tuloy-tuloy na.”