Manalo takes it all

After what he went through, perhaps any other guy would have given up. But not Benedict de Jesus Manalo, Jr.

He was once the Ateneo de Manila High School’s star basketball player. And at the tender age of 17, BJ was faced with the first big decision he ever had to make as a young adult: he had to choose for which university he would play college basketball.

His dream of being the best basketball player he could be meant studying at what he considered the university with the best basketball program, and that was Ateneo’s arch-nemesis, De La Salle University. And when this Blue Eagle turned into a Green Archer, it was only the beginning of a difficult uphill climb.

"It was hell," remembers the 6’1" Marketing Management major. "The pressure was enormous—I was given a deadline. In my high school, there were these open letter posters addressed to me. There were potshots at me at our assemblies. I was even scared to attend my high school graduation. If it weren’t for my faith in God, the classmates who stood by me, and teachers who understood me, I don’t know how I would have endured all that."

But it didn’t end there. "When I finally moved to La Salle, all these awful rumors came out. Even my parents were dragged into it. And then whenever I played, I heard the worst insults shouted at me. But I stuck by my decision, no matter what other people said, because I really prayed over it. I really asked for God’s guidance."

Then, a devastating injury. He was diagnosed with a benign tumor in his shin, depriving him of a chance to play basketball for some time. This was another faith-affirming trial. "That was my turning point. God showed me that I believed too much in myself, and I had to put more faith in Him and His purpose for me. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

Today, even after the Green Archers‚ landmark defeat to the Blue Eagles this year, BJ is smiling. He is proud to say that all these experiences have made him a stronger, wiser, better man.

Born March 16, 1981, BJ knows that he is a person of destiny, and that destiny is basketball. Out of the darkness, he’s now shining his own light, a truly Bright Young Thing.

Young STAR: Who are your heroes / icons?

BJ Manalo: My parents, Benedict Sr. and Lourdes Paz. They have taught me by example. Everything I am now is because of my upbringing. I’m so lucky to have them.

What’s wrong with your generation?

I think we’re more gullible to media and other influences. And we lack role models. Like Michael Jordan, for example. He was my idol, and now he’s dragged into this terrible controversy with a former groupie. It’s disappointing.

What’s the best thing about your generation?

Because of technology, we’re more in touch, we’re more connected. I like that.

Given the chance, what would you like to do for your country?

It would have to be through basketball. I want to inspire other people, to touch lives through my sport. There are so many temptations, but if you have a mission, you can resist all of them. I want other people to know about this.

Sports can do that. You inspire other people to dream.

What’s the most important thing you learned from older people (parents, teachers, etc.)?

The way they stick to their principles. Sometimes, it borders on the extreme. But if it’s balanced, it’s good to stick to what you believe in.

What advice would you give the older generation?

I think that they should stop saying things like, "During our time, it was like this, like that." They should know more about what we’re going through right now, the situation we’re in.

What’s your concept of success?

Let me answer the question in another way. I think that success should be built on the right foundation, and that’s Jesus. It’s a foundation of love, and it’s not about the self and the ego.

What are your most decadent pleasures?

I collect NBA tapes and DVDs. I have so many. I fall asleep watching movies, but I can watch these NBA games again and again.

What are the best perks of being a basketball player?

My sponsors have been very generous. Adidas supplies me with my shoes, Oakley with my eyewear, and now I have Bench!

What’s sexy to you?

The mind. The sexiest part of the body is the mind.

Are you in love?

Yes. I’m in love with my girlfriend, Diane Quisumbing. She’s a godsend. She’s an athlete, too, so she understands me. We’re both very religious. I just wish I could see her more often.

How do you deal with fans?

I have some very loyal fans from way back. We’re very close, they’re like my brothers and sisters. But I don’t like aggressive females who grab me. They’re scary!

What is the most enviable human trait: beauty, intelligence, talent or charisma?

Inner beauty, if I may say so. I like it when inner beauty reflects on the outside — as charm, wisdom, intelligence.

What’s your stand on virginity and premarital sex?

I think that you should save your virginity for the right one. Wait for as long as you can.

Would you marry a girl just because you got her pregnant?

No. I don’t think marriage is a solution. That’s why going back to the other question, sex is such a big responsibility with big consequences!

What inspires you?

My relationship with God.

How do you deal with stress?

Actually, I like stress. I like pressure. It gives you a chance to reflect. It tests yourself. The two weeks during this year’s UAAP championship was extremely stressful, but after that I was more aware of my capabilities.

If you weren’t playing basketball, what would you be doing?

I can’t imagine that at all. This is all I want to do. If I can’t play basketball then I might as well just be locked up in a cage.

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Nominate your own Bright Young Thing by e-mailing lifestyle@philstar.net.ph or star_polanox@yahoo.com.