They are perhaps the most popular basketball figures on campus. Each one is a star in his own right. And each plays for the basketball varsity team of their respective schools which are considered rivals in sports and in academics. Such rivalry is a well-known tradition that is as old as the history of their schools. Enrico Villanueva plays center for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles team. BJ Manalo plays point guard for the De La Salle University Green Archers, which recently scored its second straight victory in the UAAP. Playing basketball and being part of their respective varsity teams, however, is not the only thing that Enrico and BJ have in common. Both were teammates who played for the Ateneo junior basketball team. And they were buddies on and off court... until BJ transferred to La Salle. Right now, Enrico and BJ are friendly competitors on court, representing and playing for their respective rival schools. And one may wonder how they relate to each other at present in real life. This interview is not so much about basketball as it is about Enrico and BJ -- two well-known campus figures who could serve in their own individual ways as role models for the youth. Playing varsity basketball is, after all, not all popularity and glamour. It is a dream whose price is hard work, discipline, perseverance and a great deal of training. Enrico now also plays for the Blu Detergent Kings in the PBL league. To his credit, he was named "Rookie of the Year '96" in the UAAP Juniors, and belonged to the Mythical Five selection during the same year. In 1997, he was chosen MVP of the UAAP Juniors, while also making it to the Mythical Five. Enrico again made it as "Rookie of the Year" in the UAAP Seniors in 1998, while making it to the Mythical 10. This year, he was named by the UAAP press corps as MVP, while also making it to its Mythical Five selection. BJ, meanwhile, also plays track and field and had won the gold medal in last year's UAAP track and field competitions. He also made it to the Mythical Five selection in the UAAP Juniors in both 1996 and 1997. BJ also played point guard for the RP Youth team in 1998. Other than focusing on the personalities of Enrico and BJ, this interview is also not so much about the competition between Ateneo and La Salle (or is it?). This interview is also about friendship. When I called up Fr. Carmelo A. Caluag II, SJ, Chaplain of the Blue Eagles varsity team, to inform him about this interview, he asked me not to play up the rivalry between Enrico and BJ in the interview. I assured him that I would not. But that I shall instead highlight the competition between Ateneo and La Salle -- to which proposition he acknowledged with a hearty laugh. Traditionally, the rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle has been very much intense. And this spirit of competition has gone beyond the venue of the basketball court into the areas of academics and other interests. I guess it is not for me to judge which the better school is between the two. But inasmuch as this interview is about Enrico and BJ, and both represent their respective universities, I would leave the readers to decide for themselves whether Ateneo is better than La Salle, or the other way around. And on the question of who may be the better-looking and more excellent basketball player: Enrico or BJ? YOUNG STAR: What got you started playing basketball? BJ MANALO: My maternal grandfather, Angel de Jesus, was coach of the Mapua Cardinals seniors basketball team in the NCAA when I was about two years old, during the college years of Alvin Patrimonio. In those years, our family stayed with my lolo and lola. Later, he was assigned to the Red Clubs juniors team, that was when I was about six years old. Computer games were not the "in" thing during those years. Thus, I would get toy cars and balls for toys at home. I also had fun sitting on the bench of my lolo's team -- I was a lolo's boy then, being their first grandson -- during actual games at the Rizal Memorial. This scenario may have influenced my thoughts on and love for the game.My first serious venture into the game was at the Small Basketeers of the Philippines (SBP) league staged by the Milo BEST in 1991-1992 (after some months of training at the Ateneo Basketball Center under Jun Bautista and after joining the usual summer tournaments in our village, at Filinvest Homes I, Batasan Hills, QC). I was voted MVP that year and we became the national champions during the finals in Davao City, under our coach, Danny Vitan. ENRICO VILLANUEVA: I started playing on a half court in our street in Project 8. Eventually, I tried out for the teams in the Ateneo Grade School. YS: You used to be in the same team. Were you close? How many years were you together in the team? BJ: We were in the same UAAP juniors team for two years -- the first year when I was in second-year high school, while Enrico was in third-year high school. We became buddies as Enrico would spend hours in our house after practice, especially during weekends. A year before these UAAP years, we were teammates in the PRADA league and we would go to the different school venues together. ENRICO: We were teammates back in the grade school, and then for three years in high school. I could say we were close friends, especially during the two years in High School UAAP. We also went to India with the RP Youth Team. YS: Basketball is a highly competitive sport. Was there any competition between the two of you? BJ: There was no competition between us, as we did not even compete in school intramurals. Games were played within the same year levels only. We were always teammates and never competitors. On the team, as we play different positions, we always complemented each other and never competed against each other. ENRICO: I guess people try to put competition between us. However, they really can't compare us because we play our different, respective positions. Some people say that he is better, while some say otherwise. YS: BJ, what prompted you to move to La Salle? BJ: All of us have dreams -- even as kids. In Ateneo, we were taught to follow, pray and work for our dreams. My dream, even as a kid, was to play professional basketball. In my mind, Ateneo is the school to go if you dream to become successful in the corporate world, but not to achieve in pro basketball. The past five years tell me that their better players did not land slots in the pro leagues. In the summer before my fourth year in high school, it was emphasized by the principal that Ateneo was not a school for athletics and I was even discouraged by the school from joining the national youth team as it may result in my studies and grades being affected negatively.I was offered a slot in La Salle's team when I was in my fourth year. I knew that La Salle has a high profile program: as their team joined many other tournaments throughout the school year aside from the UAAP, team members are supported if they are taken in as members of the national team and a lot of them land slots in professional leagues after college. I also realized that their academic standards are high, especially in business courses. I knew that if I play pro ball, the most probable career I can land in after my playing career will be in business, as an entrepreneur. YS: Enrico, how did you feel about BJ's transfer to La Salle? ENRICO: I was really hurt when he transferred, probably because he didn't really give me a clear reason why. I think that since we were partners during high school, I really wanted him to play with me again in college. YS: Both of you are stars in your own right and probably even the most popular personalities in campus. How do you feel about this? BJ: I can only thank the Lord for this blessing. I also feel more my mission as a Catholic/Christian to be a true witness for God and thus, be a good role model for the other students in the campus. I know that many observe me and I always pray that I be a positive influence to all of them who observe and know me. ENRICO: I don't really consider myself a star on campus. The students know that I am a player and I am very happy about it. You just have to be simple when you go around the campus and have fun. YS: What are your hobbies? BJ: With 22 units in school and having to spend about four hours a day in basketball practice, I cannot find time to indulge in any hobby, except maybe to listening to music. ENRICO: I like to play computer games and to watch movies with my friends. YS: Please describe a typical day for you. BJ: On schooldays, I come from the dorm where I stay from Monday to Friday, go to class from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then attend the team's practice from 5 to 9 p.m., then go home to the dorm. I have less subjects on Tuesdays and Thursdays.On weekends, I try to sleep longer -- until about 11 a.m. -- at home and then study my lessons. I sometimes see some friends in the village and then go see my special someone in the early evening. On Sundays, I go with my dad, mom and two siblings to Mass together and then to my lolo and lola in Pasay City. ENRICO: During weekdays, I go to school in the morning and then practice in the afternoon. On weekends, I usually stay home or go to the mall, or Greenhills. I also like to hang out with my friends when I have nothing to do. YS: What are you majoring in college and why? BJ: I am taking up Liberal Arts/Commerce or LiaCom. This is a course where I get to finish two courses at the same time, one in Arts and one in Commerce. My majors are Psychology and Marketing, although I may most likely change the latter to Entrepreneurship later. ENRICO: I am taking up Interdisciplinary Studies, and try to focus on Management Studies and Communication. YS: How do you balance basketball with academics? BJ: With God's help and a lot of hard work and discipline. In critical times of the tournaments we join, I find it really hard to cope with the requirements of the courses I am enrolled in. With the help of my classmates and my special someone, I get to update myself with our lessons and finish my projects on time. ENRICO: Most of my classes are in the morning to make way for my afternoon practices. During my breaks, I try to study my other subjects. I think that the key to this is good time management. YS: What are your plans for the future? What sort of career do you have in mind? BJ: If God allows, I would like to play in the PBA for about 10 years after college and then pursue a business that will be my source of livelihood for the rest of my years. During all these times, I dream of serving the youth by sharing this talent that God has gifted me with. I really do not know how I will do this but I can probably start by serving in the Youth for Christ, of which I have been a member since I was 13 years old -- my parents have been with Couples for Christ since 1993. I am confident that God will lead me in this service that I would want to do for Him and the young Christians around. ENRICO: I plan to finish my studies in Ateneo and hopefully continue to play in the pro league. I also want to put up my own business during and after my playing years. YS: Would you consider playing professional basketball after the UAAP? BJ: Yes. It has been my dream even as a kid. ENRICO: Yes. If there is an opportunity, then I would. Currently, I am playing for Blu Detergent in the PBL, and this is a good preparation for me to go to the big league. YS: BJ, do you date girls from Ateneo? What are the qualities that you look for in a girl? BJ: I have been with my special someone since my fourth year high school and so I do not date girls. The foremost of my girl friend's qualities that I appreciate and admire most is that she understands me. It is hard to understand someone who has little time to spend with you -- even for himself -- as he has a lot of other things to work on and for. YS: Enrico, do you date girls from La Salle? What are the qualities that you look for in a girl? ENRICO: If I could, then I would. The problem is that I don't really know a lot of girls from La Salle. I like girls who are simple and chinita. YS: Who is your role model and mentor in playing basketball? BJ: My role model would be my maternal grandfather. He used to coach Alvin Patrimonio. Me and my lolo are so close. As a kid, he always brought me to the bench and it was fun. As for my mentors, my style of playing comes as a result of the combined teachings of my grade school, high school and college coaches. I simply try to improve on what they have taught to me. To a certain degree, they all have some influence on my playing style. ENRICO: My role model is Michael Jordan. He knows his potentials and exceeds them. He takes basketball to another level, and this is why he is the greatest basketball player. YS: Do you advise the youth to get into basketball? BJ: Being involved in basketball or sports is a very fulfilling way of developing ourselves as we grow up. In the process, we develop self-discipline, hard work, respect for elders (referees and coaches) and peers (competitors), thinking as part of a team rather than as an individual and more importantly, spending well, the time God has given all of us, instead of wasting it on drugs and other things not of God's will.Also, it is our obligation as Christians to work to develop our potential in any talent and gift God has given us as it is written, "To whom more is given, more will be expected in return." ENRICO: Of course! It gets your body in shape and, most importantly, it keeps you away from trouble. One can also learn a lot of things from basketball that can be used in our lives. YS: BJ, what can you say about Ateneo? BJ: I'll reserve my reply to that later. YS: Enrico, what can you say about La Salle? ENRICO: I am really not in a position to say anything about La Salle because I don't really know anything about their culture, or anything. YS: Do you foresee the two of you playing together again for the same team? BJ: As both of us aspire to develop our potentials in basketball, this is not improbable. In the very near future, we may be both members of the under-20 national team being formed under coach Boysie Zamar. In the commercial leagues, nothing is impossible. ENRICO: Why not? I have nothing against him and I know that we'd still be a great duo. YS: Where are your favorite hangouts? BJ: Starbucks, when the team goes out after dinner, house of my girlfriend on weekends, and our family hall where I play basketball with my four-year-old brother and 11-year-old sister. ENRICO: Starbucks! I enjoy staying there and just being with my friends. YS: How do you spend your weekends? What is your idea of recreation? BJ: I just try to get the most out of whatever schedule I get into, whether involve myself in different tournaments, dinners sponsored for the school team by the supporters, sponsored trips to the US for further training. I also try to spend as much time with my parents and my kid sister and younger brother, whom I have not been able to spend much time with as I stay at the dormitory from Monday to Friday.Recreation to me now is just getting more sleep during weekends, more naps and just making the most out of the small extra time I get during weekends. ENRICO: I usually stay home and rest. If I have a chance, I go out with my girlfriend for a movie and dinner. YS: Traditionally, the rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle has been so intense. Are you affected by this? BJ: When I decided to transfer to La Salle, I knew what I was headed for and what sacrifices I have to bear in the process. I continue to hope and pray that all the ill feelings will die down after some time and ultimately the supporters of Ateneo will respect the decision I made. ENRICO: Not at all. I don't treat La Salle as a special rival. For me, all teams are the same and you have to play them as if it were your last. YS: You used to be in the same team together. How does it feel like finding yourselves now on opposing teams and having to compete against each other? BJ: I think that it is part of the growth process which all of us have to undergo. I believe that our mission in life is more than the game of basketball and that this is only a way to achieve and fulfill this mission that the Lord would want us to do for Him and for our neighbors. ENRICO: Actually, there is nothing special about it because once you're inside the court, you won't have time to think about this. YS: What is your advice to aspiring basketball team players? BJ: Practice hard and play fair, remembering that we who are blessed with the opportunity to play and be watched by the other youth have a great role to play and a mission to do for our Creator in heaven who watches our every move, listens to our every word and is aware of our every thought. ENRICO: Focus, hard work, discipline and a big heart. Most importantly, never neglect your studies because basketball is only temporary. YS: You have the looks for show business. Would you be willing to get into the movies? How about politics? BJ: I would like to cross the bridge when I get there, although I think I will do better as a commercial/print model than a trying-hard actor. ENRICO: If there's a chance, why not? It won't hurt to try. However, I'll focus first on my basketball. YS: Please tell us about the most memorable moment in your life. BJ: That would be the first UAAP game between Ateneo and La Salle, after I had just transferred to the latter. We lost the game. And the crowd was booing me, and there were banners saying: "Magkano ka ba?" On the contrary, they were cheering Rich Alvarez with banners like: "You made the right choice!" I was deeply hurt. But you see, it is part of the game. Many claim that the reason why I transferred to La Salle was because of the perks. But this is not the truth. Bale wala iyon! When I was deciding whether to transfer to La Salle or not, I asked God to give me signs. He was there with me when I made the decision, and I found myself in La Salle. God is still with me now. Everywhere He would bring me, I know that He shall always be by my side. ENRICO: Perhaps it would be being part of the RP Youth Team that went to India. It was a dream come true to have the Philippine flag on my jersey near my heart. YS: What school is better: Ateneo or La Salle? BJ: I believe that both schools are among the best in the land and to answer this question would be debatable. I have spent 12 years of my 18 years at the Ateneo -- from prep to Grade 7 and then first to fourth year high school -- and I know that I am what I am now because of the education I got from the Jesuit system of education inculcated in me for 12 long, beautiful years. I have just been with La Salle for half a year but I foresee that the next four years will spell the difference between my being able to reach my dream of reaching professional level basketball or not in the very near future. I am blessed with the opportunity of being educated for no less than 16 years of my lifetime by two of the top schools in the land. I will not waste any time thinking about the answer to this question as in the end, both schools have definitely, a lot to do with my upbringing and development as a man and as a Christian. ENRICO: Ateneo will always be the best, whether it be in sports or in academics. And I think BJ knows this in his heart. |