Alex Cabagnot
In our basketball-crazy country, PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) players are mobbed like rock stars.
San Miguel Beer (SMB) hardcourt heartthrobs Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot are movie-star material. They made PBA history along with their teammates last Wednesday when SMB clinched its fifth straight All-Filipino Cup championship.
No other team has achieved a “five-peat” feat in the professional league. SMB could very well stand for Super Marvelous Ballers.
Here’s my chat with Chris (C) and Alex (A):
How will you reward yourself after clinching the championship?
C: Beach and more beach. After training every day, I will treat myself to rest and relaxation.
A: I have family members visiting from abroad. We’re all going to unwind under the sun on lovely Boracay.
What will you do with your bonus?
C: Send money to my mom, dad, brother and sister in the US. Then, I’ll save the rest.
A: Share.
What was your reaction to the Spider-Man prank in Game 5?
C: Initially, I got angry because I saw him hit June Mar (Fajardo), and he fell to the floor. So my initial reaction was to protect my teammate. He had a good message, but really bad timing!
A: I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Safety is always a priority.
Who’s your crush in local show biz and Hollywood?
C: I don’t have a crush in local show biz, although I think many of them are beautiful! In Hollywood, I love Halle Berry! Her beauty is timeless.
A: I don’t want to say it’s a crush, but I’m a fan of Maine Mendoza. I’ve ran into her a few times, and she was warm and pleasant. Same goes with Natalie Portman, who was very warm and easy to talk to the several times we interacted .
What’s your fave local or foreign movie?
Chris Ross
C: I haven’t watched a lot of movies lately. The last one I watched in the theater was “Black Panther.” But one of my all-time favorites is “Shawshank Redemption.”
A: Mine is “Aladdin” and the “Avengers” franchise. I also like “One More Chance” and John Lloyd Cruz’s other movies.
How do you bounce back after a defeat?
C: I stay positive and know that the day will go on. I know I will be able to redeem myself at some point.
A: I shake it off and prepare for the next game.
How do you remain grounded?
C: I give credit to my mom and dad for raising me the right way. My parents, brother and sister taught me to stay humble at all times.
Aside from basketball, what else are you good at?
A: When I love someone, I don’t give up easily. I will fight for her as much as I can.
What’s the craziest thing you did for love?
C: I have flown across the world to be with my special someone at the time.
A: A lot. I don’t think there’s enough space in your column for my answer.
What’s the biggest love lesson you’ve learned?
C: Love with all your heart, and if your heart isn’t into your relationship, you should move on.
A: Love is love.
What’s the best and toughest part of being a PBA superstar?
C: No privacy. I’m very private as a person, which makes it hard for me to go out in public sometimes.
A: The best part about it is, I’m able to help kids in a positive way. Kids are striving and working hard to achieve their dreams. I have an opportunity to guide them in that direction. The toughest is actually believing you’re a “superstar.” It’s tough when you start believing in your own hype and getting out of touch with reality.