They can sing, they can act, they can shoot a ball
Some spend their days in recording studios, others on film and television sets. Music and acting may be different worlds, but if there’s one place where they can meet and do the same thing, it’s the basketball court. Put them in jerseys and throw them a ball, and watch them become brothers—or maybe friendly rivals.
“Tropahan ‘to na people don’t usually see—kung paano kami mag-bond and just who we are outside of work. Sanay sila na nakikita kaming kumakanta at tumutugtog. Ngayon, sporty naman,” singer-songwriter Amiel Sol says of the upcoming Viva All-Star Games on Aug. 16, where teams Viva Records and Viva One will duke it out.
The likes of Lance Carr, a former Ateneo varsity player, have years of experience under their belts, while someone like Marco Gallo is still learning the ropes. But either way, playing at the Big Dome—a place where they grew up watching their idols—is a dream come true all the same.
So, what are they like as hoopers?
What are your core basketball memories?
Jairus Aquino (JA)
Position: Point guard
Go-to: Three-pointer
My first time playing at the Araneta Coliseum. Iba ‘yong energy at feeling being there, especially when there are people and fans supporting you. It was a surreal moment—a childhood dream come true.
Lance Carr (LC)
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Go-to: Three-pointer
Representing the Davao region at the Palarong Pambansa. I also played against some of today’s Philippine basketball stars like Dave Ildefonso and JD Cagulangan. And, of course, wearing the Ateneo jersey.
Gab Lagman (GL)
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Go-to: Step-back jumper
My lolo and I were big San Miguel fans, so being able to play with the likes of Dondon Hontiveros and Arwind Santos in an event in Ormoc was a privilege. I was lucky because these are players I looked up to growing up, and I got to share the court with them in front of people, playing the sport we love.
Rabin Angeles (RA)
Position: Point guard
Go-to: Three-pointer
No’ng bata ako, halos every day ako nasa court. Parang 6 a.m. naglalaro na ako, tapos hanggang hapon na ‘yon. Tapos nagpupustahan kami para sa tubig. Nakapaa lang ako kaya sugat-sugat ako. Wala pa ako noong pambili ng sapatos.
Marco Gallo (MG)
Role: Rebounding / defense
I’m new to the game, but it’s nice when Lance teaches me drills—I’m getting that Ateneo training! I feel like I’m getting better at defense.
Adie
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Go-to: Fadeaway layup
I tried out for the varsity team in high school without really knowing what I could do. I just knew how to dribble. Luckily, the coach taught me the fundamentals, which made me love the sport even more.
Rob Deniel (RD)
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Go-to: Step-back jumper
Just playing basketball from elementary to high school—I really miss those times.
Amiel Sol (AS)
Position: Point guard / power forward / center
Go-to: “Moral support”
Lumalabas ulit ‘yong pagkabata ko. Bago ako nangarap na maging musician, gusto kong maging PBA player. And then you realize there are levels to it, and baka pang-barangay ka lang pala!
Migo Valid (MV)
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Go-to: Defense
Lahat na ata ng liga nilaruan ko. Nong bata ako, kung saan-saan ko binabato ‘yong bola. One time, nabato ko sa sa mga tao. Kinuha ako ng referee at inilibas ng court!
Who did you grow up watching?
JA: My brother and I bonded over Kobe Bryant.
LC: James Yap. The first basketball game I ever watched was a Purefoods game, at doon ko siya naging super idol. Eventually, Kobe Bryant.
RA: Kobe Bryant—that’s why my jersey number is eight.
Adie: Shaun Livingston—I love the practicality of his game. Sobrang ideal for him ng mid-range. Kahit noong championship run nila with the Golden State Warriors, ini-enjoy niya pa rin ‘yong gano’ng klaseng game.
RD: Laking PBA din ako, so si James Yap. My father watched him, so I grew up watching him, too.
MV: James Yap, PJ Simon. I have been a big Derrick Rose fan since I was a kid.
What’s your playing style and attitude on the court?
JA: More on playmaking. It’s important to have someone who sets the pace, the tone. When you play at a big venue like the Big Dome, minsan parang nakakalimutan mo ‘yong mga plays na inaral mo kapag nagpadala kayo sa atmosphere. So you just have to stay relaxed and let the game come to you.
LC: I love to defend—that’s my role. In school, ang task ko was to guard the best player on the opposing team, and hanggang ngayon, ‘yon pa rin ang gagawin ko.
MG: My role is rebounding, and I love defending. I love being the reason why you hate being on the court because I’m just gonna be up your back the whole time!
RD: Maging matalino and use common sense. If you’re free, go for the shot. If you see a teammate free, ipasa mo.
MV: Kailangan all-out. Go harder. Kasi kung susuko ka, walang patutunguhan. Kapag sumablay ka, balik depensa.
What’s your game-day style?
LC: Not much of an accessory guy. No knee pads or arm sleeves kasi baka maging uncomfortable lang. Basta comfy shoes, that’s it. But just make sure that you don’t put on a new pair on game day.
MG: I don’t really care about the shoes. But there was a time when I had really long hair and didn’t know how to deal with it, so I got braids. I didn’t realize at first how it would look on me. I didn’t mean it in that way, but I liked it.
Maybe I will shave my head. You know how Rodman has different patches of color? If I didn’t have work, I swear I would do it.
