chris tiu’s articles

BULL MARKET, BULL SHEET By Wilson Lee Flores
Monday, October 06 2008 (www.philstar.com)

One of the benefits of my new position as editor-in-chief of S magazine, the glossy entertainment monthly of the Mega Publishing Group — with industrialist Jerry Tiu as chairman — is recently getting an exclusive interview for The Philippine STAR with his son, Ateneo basketball team captain, honor student and GMA-7 TV host Chris Tiu to discuss business ideas and his views on the Philippine economy. He is humble, unassuming, attributes his successes mainly to God’s blessings and his upbringing, and hopes to be a positive role model for other young people.

Unknown to most people, the family of Chris Tiu owns or control various top corporations such as Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City; Discovery Shores on Boracay island; Zhangzhou Stronghold Steel Works Ltd. of China; the publicly listed steel firm TKC Steel Corp.; the publicly listed iRemit; Sterling Bank of Asia and many others. They were also former major shareholders in iBank, which has now been sold to the Aboitiz-controlled Union Bank.

During the course of our dinner conversation at Rockwell’s UCC Cafe, 23-year-old Chris mentioned to me that Smart Telecommunications and PLDT have not yet approached him to be their celebrity endorser, unlike other companies like Nestlé, Hanford, Dockers and Levi’s.

I quickly texted PLDT and Smart big boss Manuel “Manny” V. Pangilinan, whom Chris said he personally admired as the Ateneo’s major benefactor and famous alumnus. MVP quickly texted his executives, and soon forwarded back Smart executive Bong Mojica’s reply that it’s a “done deal.” After I texted back Tiu’s gratitude, MVP texted back, “Free lunch!” The next day, Smart and PLDT CEO Napoleon “Polly” Nazareno also texted me that they are getting him for a commercial campaign.

Before leading the Ateneo basketball team to the decisive UAAP championship victory over archrival De La Salle University, Tiu had just graduated with cum laude honors and a Management Engineering degree from the Ateneo. He is now earning a Bachelor of Science/Master of Applied Mathematics degree, major in Mathematical Finance, minor in Chinese Studies.

Tiu told STAR that, though already fluent in Hokkien, he hopes to further hone his Mandarin language skills by someday studying in Beijing. His favorite tune on his iPod are Mandarin songs mainly by his idol, Asian superstar Jay Chou, and another pop star, David Tao. He said he admires Jay Chou’s xiao-xun or “filial piety,” as the pop star recently expressed in an interview on CNN that he wants to live with and take care of his mother even after marriage, according to Chinese Confucian tradition.

Chris is the son of Jerry and Lianne Tiu, both devout Christians and doting parents to five kids. He told me he has “great parents who love each other and showered us, their kids, with love.”
Here are excerpts from our two-hour interview:

WILSON FLORES: I heard you have a successful business on the Ateneo campus in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

CHRIS TIU: It’s my small business started with two friends called “Chinky Chickens.” We started it two years ago because there was still available space at the Ateneo’s unique students’ mall, which encourages student entrepreneurs to try doing business. I’ve always wanted to do business ever since I was a kid.
How did you start the venture and why?

It started when some employees of a small resto called Blue Cow on campus asked for my help, because it was about to close and they were going to lose their jobs. I decided to open a new food business, and saw their approaching me for help as an opportunity. It’s doing well.

Do you offer franchises already? Do you have other branches?

No franchises yet, we’re still small, but we already have an outlet in Miriam College. We serve affordable food, only P65 per meal in Styrofoam packs. I’m thinking of opening another outlet near the UST area. I recently missed an opportunity to get a resto space at TriNoma mall. This is just a small business, my sideline. If I had not continued my studies, I think I would already be in the corporate world or working in business.

Is it true that aside from your hosting job on GMA-7 and many commercial endorsements, you have invitations to enter showbiz and do movies?

Yes, Anette Gozon of GMA Films once invited me to act in a horror film project called Ouija. GMA-7 executives like Wilma Galvante and others are very supportive. To offers of entering showbiz, I am not interested and have no plans. I would rather remain in TV hosting and hope to someday go into business.

Your uncle Ben Tiu told me that you plan to go study Mandarin in Beijing?

Yes, I initially had plans to polish my Mandarin by studying in Beijing, but after this UAAP championship and all these commitments, I have to, for now, postpone my plans for further studies abroad. My uncle Ben even wants me to help out with the family’s steel manufacturing business in China.

How do you compare achieving success in sports like basketball with your future plans in business?

In both endeavors, one needs passion. Right now, basketball is my passion, but in the long-term it’s business. I know my physical peak is now, in my 20s, but beyond my youth, I should plan to focus on business. In both sports and business, one needs to set high standards, to train very hard, to face challenges head-on and to be prepared for tough competition.

Who is the businessman in the whole world whom you admire the most?

Warren Buffett. Not only is he the world’s wealthiest billionaire, he has incredible business acumen. He has a knack for business, he knows where to invest, how to build up companies, how to find the right people.

Your immigrant great-grandfather was the principal of the Philippines’ pioneer Chinese-language school, the Anglo-Chinese School, and your grandfather was the famous rags-to-riches hardware taipan Tiu Ka Cho. What are your impressions of your grandfather?

I know our grandfather was super-hardworking, and he was super-sharp as a businessman. He really knew how to spot business opportunities.

Who are the local businesspeople in the Philippines whom you admire the most?

John Gokongwei, Jr. of JG Summit Holdings and Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee. Both of them personify hard work, Confucian values and entrepreneurial spirit. Tony Tan started from scratch. Gokongwei didn’t really start from nothing because he used to be rich, but his family wealth was lost and he had to start all over again. I admire these two entrepreneurs.

Is it true that aside from showbiz, you have also turned down invitations to enter politics?

I’m now a barangay kagawad, but I’m not really into politics. There have been offers and even invitations for me to run as vice mayor and other posts, but I really prefer to focus on business. In fact, my mother still hopes that I or one of my two other brothers someday becomes a priest.

What do you think should be done to make the Philippine economy more progressive?

We need to develop and encourage more small- and medium-scale enterprises or SMEs. We need to encourage more job-creating businesses, to encourage more livelihoods, especially for people in the rural provinces and not just in our cities. It is sad that due to lack of economic opportunities in the rural areas, everybody’s coming to our congested cities.
Any unsolicited advice for our politicians?

I believe what is important in politics is to promote and uphold good governance — this is very important in order to stimulate more investments. I also hope our political leaders will continue to invest in infrastructure and in education. I am now planning to do a civic endeavor with the Ateneo on how to assist our teachers.

CONVERSATIONS With Ricky Lo
Sunday, October 5, 2008

“My business.”

ROOTS AND WINGS
How do you raise a Chris Tiu?

By Cathy S. Babao-Guballa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:33:00 09/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Twenty-three-year-old Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu excels not only in sports, but in academics, too. In 2007, he graduated cum laude with Management Engineering degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. He is taking a second course in Applied Mathematics and Finance.

Despite his success and fame, he’s remained down to earth and humble. How does one raise a young man like him?

In an interview his parents, Jerry and Lianne, gave us some inspiring insights into parenting. I now understand and appreciate how Chris has grown up to be the highly successful yet grounded and admirable young man.

Energetic

His mother says Chris has always had a boundless energy. At 5, he enjoyed climbing the door frame of his parents’ bathroom with his bare hands and feet, like a little Spiderman. His rock-solid Christian values were also formed very early in life.

“When he was 11, he joined the school team representing the country in a basketball tournament in Las Vegas. While the boys were quartered in a motel, one of them accidentally went to an X-rated channel. The next day, the coach found out about it and was so angry. As punishment, the kids were asked to pay for the charged TV show,” Lianne recalled.

“Chris approached me and said that he would not pay for it. I told him it was only fair that all of them paid equally since they all watched. I later found out that he really did not join the group to watch, since he turned his back on the TV and prayed the rosary!”

Being different from his peers in a way made him the object of bullying. But peace-loving that he was, Chris’ tactic was to run away as fast as he could, instead of fighting back, until the bullies could no longer catch him.

In a separate interview, Chris said that in the Tiu household, there were set hours for studying, playing, watching TV and playing computer games.

“My parents really instilled in all of us the value of studying and hard work. They would push us to do our best, and as long as they knew we did our best, that would be enough.”

Lianne said that for Jerry and her, the efforts exerted were always more important than the result. Chris added that their mom was very active in helping them with schoolwork.

“We would still have tutors, but she was always there ready to help us, especially in Chinese. She would really take time out to sit down and help us with our lessons.”

Blessed

One of the striking things Chris told me was how he felt so blessed to have parents who genuinely love each other. To this day, he still sees them showing affection toward one another; he is in awe of how they truly love each other.

“My parents walk their talk. They have shown us kids by example what love is and what good, clean living and hard work is all about. They really take care of each other,” he said.

It is certainly true what they say—the best gift a man can give his children is to love their mother, and vice versa.

Lianne told me it has always been important for her and Jerry to make sure the children see that they love each other.

“I pray a lot for the children. I give a lot of importance in raising them to be men and women of faith, competence and values. For example, I encourage them to receive the sacrament of Confession and we go to Sunday Mass together. I try my best to control the TV shows they watch to make sure they are wholesome. I try to put away immoral reading materials at home. I don’t give them much money, and I try not to spoil them with material goods. I guess they are tired of hearing my advice: If you don’t need them, don’t buy.”

Grounded

Considering all the good things that have come his way, it amazes me how Chris remains grounded in a world where fame, power and fortune can easily corrupt men or women his age.

I asked Lianne why she thought Chris has remained grounded.

“I think he has taken our advice to heart, something we tell our children all the time: ‘Much is given to you, much will be asked of you (from God).’ We try to remind him to thank God for all his talents and gifts (for without Him, he can do nothing) and to repay Him by loving Him and helping others.”

With media, fans and the brands he endorses lavishing him with attention, praise and material things, sometimes they worry for him. However, she and Jerry continue to remind him that fame is fleeting.

“We always tell him that what is important is not the applause of people but the approval of God. Even if he scores high in his studies or in sports, but is not at peace with our Lord, then his efforts are wasted. On the other hand, he may perform poorly in whatever activity, but if he is in a state of grace and it is offered to God, then he will always come out a ‘winner’ in God’s eyes.”

09/18/2008 | 01:14 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Chris Tiu didn’t have to wait for the question to finish before he could answer.

Do you think this is the best team … (that you’ve ever been around with)?

Tiu, interrupting and with no proverbial eyelashes batting, would respond: “Oh, definitely.”

In his five varsity years with Ateneo, Tiu has had the luxury of being with one of the most consistently winning Eagles teams.

In his rookie year in 2003, Tiu was in the company of LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier and Rich Alvarez, the key remnants of the Eagles’ 2002 championship team.

In his return from studying abroad, Tiu teamed up with JC Intal and Doug Kramer to lead Ateneo to the finals in 2006.

In his final season in Blue, Tiu is back in the finals thanks in large part to MVP contender Rabeh al-Hussaini and an eclectic mix of role players.

For Tiu, the wins are just part of what makes this Ateneo team, in his mind, “the best he’s been around with”.

“There’s no doubt in mind,” Tiu said. “To me, this is the best team I’ve played for. We’re very disciplined. There are no head cases. We play as a team. It’s just an overall fun experience.”

The results and the good vibe are feeding off each other the way Tiu and his teammates are syncing perfectly.

Tiu is averaging 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists – all career-highs. Together with a deep roster, the current Eagles, who’ve dropped only one of 15 games, are arguably the best in the school’s UAAP history in terms of standings.

“Obviously Chris’ stats are great but that’s not how his value on the team is gauged. It’s his leadership,” Ateneo coach Norman Black said. “He didn’t have to come back because he’s graduated but Chris returned anyway because he wants to win a championship.”

Point-guard Jai Reyes, who will likely assume the leadership role once Tiu leaves Loyola Heights, said he looked up to his backcourt mate.

“The best way to describe Chris is he’s led by example,” Reyes said. “He makes the plays that are necessary for the team to be successful. Whatever it takes, he goes out there and contributes in any way possible.”

Returning to the finals stage, Tiu would want a title to cap his sterling time as an Eagles player. And as an apt final act to his Farewell Tour with his favorite mates.

“The way things have been unfolding this season, it’s like a dream come true,” Tiu said. “Being with the guys, it’s just fun to be the captain of this very special team.” – GMANews.TV

Nitz Miralles

Thursday, August 7, 2008
03:38 PM

Hanggang August 15 na lang pala ang Kung Ako Ikaw, ang comedy-reality show ng GMA-7 na hinu-host nina Joey Marquez at Keempee de Leon. Simula sa August 18, iba’t ibang shows na ang papalit sa timeslot na iiwan ng Kung Ako Ikaw.

Magpa-pilot na rin agad sa August 18, Monday, ang Ripley’s Believe it Or Not to hosted by Chris Tiu. Sa August 19, Tuesday, ang simula ng World Records to hosted by Paolo Contis. Magpa-pilot naman sa August 20, Wednesday, ang Masquerade to be hosted by Ariel & Maverick.

Tuwang-tuwa ang fans ng basketeer turned TV host na si Chris Tiu dahil sa dalawang shows na siya mapapanood. Tuloy pa rin ang Pinoy Records nila ni Manny Pacquiao na every Saturday naman ang airing sa GMA-7 din.

Kung may enough time lang si Chris, mas marami pa siyang TV shows. May offer sa kanya ang TV5 at Studio 23, pero hindi niya natanggap sa kakulangan ng oras. Nalula nga ang PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa nilitanya ng manager ng binata at kapwa niya Atenean na si Noel Ferrer kung saan busy ang kanyang talent.

Bukod sa TV, star athelete ito at team captain pa ng Blue Eagles ng Ateneo de Manila, na number one sa ranking sa ongoing UAAP. Honor student, successful entrepreneur, at barangay kagawad din si Chris.

No wonder, very proud kay Chris ang pamilya at mga kaibigan. Balak din niyang magtayo ng foundation para magkaroon ng scholars.

Walang balak sa ngayong mag-artista si Chris dahil hindi raw niya kaya ang maghintay sa shooting at taping. Bagay sana sa kanya ang role ng isa sa two leading men ng isang upcoming movie project na pagbibidahan ni Rhian Ramos. Kaso, ayaw raw talagang mag-artista ni Chris.

Working day ang nangyari sa birthday ni Chris Tiu last July 15 nang bisitahin namin siya sa set ng Pinoy Records.

Naghanda ng lunch ang GMA Network sa venue (Filmex Studio, Makati) ng taping. Dumating ang parents ni Chris.

Wala that day si Manny Pacquiao dahil may commitment sa General Santos, ayon sa GMA exec na si Marivin Arayata.

Eh nakatakdang i-feature din ang isang fan ni Chris sa Wish Ko Lang, kaya doon na ginawa ang taping ng public service program ni Vicky Morales.
Kasama sa mga bumati kay Chris si Iza Calzado, at may VTR naman si Marian Rivera.

Pag-upo ni Chris sa aming interview, ang birth*day wish niya agad ang aming tinanong.

“Gustung-gusto kong manalo ng championship ang Ateneo Blue Eagles this UAAP season!” bulalas ni Chris.

Napanood namin ang laban ng team niya against La Salle at UE na kapwa nila tinalo. Feeling namin, siya ang hirap na hirap sa lahat, huh!

“Hindi naman! Tulung-tulong. Siyempre, ako ang binubugbog dahil ako na ang pinakamatagal sa team, eh! Ha! Ha! Ha!

“Pero tulung-tulong kami sa pagsalo sa mga tama-tama,” aniya.
Meron bang conflict sa schedules ng studies niya, laro sa UAAP at tapings ng Pinoy Records?

“Wala naman. Very flexible ang schedules ko,” tugon niya.
Visible man si Chris sa TV, ayaw niyang isi*ping mas lamang na siya kesa sa co-players niya sa Ateneo.

“Ayokong isipin ‘yon sa loob ng team. Gusto kong pantay-pantay ka*ming lahat.

“Ayoko na para akong isang tao na hindi maabot. Syempre, team kami, isang unit kami, pantay-pantay kami at nagtutulungan para manalo.
“Pero sa labas naman, pagdating sa fans, siguro, may factor din ‘yung nakikita ka sa TV show. Naa-appreciate ng fans na nakikita ako sa studio. Nag-i-spiels and at the same time, naglalaro ng basketball. I guess, natutuwa rin sila,” sey ni Chris.

Mula nang umere ang show nila ni Pacquiao, meron na bang pagbabago sa style niya sa hosting?

“Mas mabilis nang mag-taping! Ha! Ha! Ha! One take, one take na lang kami minsan. Mas na*ging komportable na ako sa harap ng kamera. Hindi na ako ganoon ka-shy.

“Nu’ng simula, mahiyain talaga ako. Naku-conscious pa sa harap ng kamera. Ngayon, kahit med*yo maraming tao, nasasanay na rin. Mas mabilis nang mag-tape at sa labas, nakikilala na rin ako ng tao sa mall at kung saan-saan pa,” balita niya.

Friendly ba siya sa fans?
“‘Pag bumabati sila, smile naman ako. Picture taking din sa kanila. Wala na ‘yung shyness. Medyo na-overcome ko na! Ha! Ha! Ha!” dagdag na balita pa niya.

Nu’ng una ay bihira silang mag-taping ni Manny na magkasama. Pero nga*yon ay nagkakasabay na sila sa set. Kumusta ang working relationship nila ng boxing champ?

“Actually, nu’ng nag-taping kami bago siya pu*munta sa States para mag-training, ‘pag kasama ko siya, para siyang seryosong tao. Pero meron siyang mga jokes na nakakatawa rin. Nakaka-break ng ice.

“Madaling makatrabaho. I think maganda ‘yung kombinasyon namin sa Pinoy Records,” pahayag niya.

Jackpot ba siya’t nakasama niya si Manny sa show o it’s the other way around?

“Jackpot ako siyempre! Manny Pacquiao na ‘yan! Sigurado ako na maraming may gusto na maging co-host niya at ako ‘yung napili na maging partner niya kaya nagpapasalamat ako.

“Nami-miss ko na nga siya kasi ang tagal niyang nawala! Pero champion naman siya. Tinalo niya si Diaz, so, okey lang. Proud kami lahat dito!” ani pa ni Chris.

Financially compensating ba ang work niya sa show?
“Financially? Not bad! Media pays well. Ha! Ha! Ha!” sagot niya.
Than basketball?

“Wala namang pera sa college basketball! Ha! Ha! Ha!” bulalas ni Chris.
So, he’s not playing for the money?

“No, I’m playing for the love of the game. For the school! Gusto kong mapa-champion ang Ateneo!” sey niya.

Kung sakaling mag-end na ang Pinoy Records, willing pa ba siyang manatili sa showbiz?

“Hosting job, oo. Why not?” sagot niya.
Ano naman ang suporta niya from his pa*rents, friends at co-players sa media job niya lalo na’t matunog na ang name niya sa dalawang larangan (showbiz at basketball)?

“Very supportive sila in both ways. Pero parati nila akong nire-remind na mag-ingat din. Huwag mapasok sa kung anu-anong intriga.

“Sa basketball, palagi silang nanonood ng game. ‘Pag may team function, present din sila. Kung ano ang pangangailangan ko, binibigay nila,” saad ni Chris.

Pero para yatang hindi umiinit ang ulo niya kahit binabalya na siya sa laro?
“Meron din. Kinokontrol ko lang! Ha! Ha! Ha!

“Syempre dala natin ang pangalan ng school. Nire-represent natin ang school. Importante rin na tamang image ang i-pro*ject mo, ‘di ba?

“Syempre, may values na itinuro ang school kaya hindi basta-basta pwedeng magwala sa loob ng court, ‘di ba? May tamang paraan para magreklamo at idaan ang complaint,” dahilan niya.

Teka muna. Ikakasal na ang Atenenista ring si Doug Kramer kay Cheska Garcia. Naiinggit ba siya?

“I’m happy for him. Matagal ko na siyang ka*kilala. Ilang years na kaming nagkasama sa team. Si Cheska, naging close ko rin. I’m very happy for them!

“Ako? Masaya ako ngayon sa ginagawa ko,” sagot niya.
Eh ang lovelife niya?

“Basta masaya ako sa buhay ko! Ha! Ha! Ha! Basta masaya ako,” pag-iwas ni Chris.

***

Sa gitna ng kasikatang tinatamasa ni Chris sa lara*ngan ng sports at showbiz, to think na well-off ang pamilya niya, may damdamin siya sa mga taong kulang sa edukasyon.

“Kasi maganda ‘yung exposure na nakukuha ko. In a way, ‘yon ang paraan ko para maibalik ang talents o opportunities na binigay sa akin.
“Dahil exposed ako, later on, ‘pag may mga cause na gusto kong i-promote, madali na sa akin ‘yon, kasi, kilala na ako ng tao, di ba?

“Tulad ng sinasabi ko sa interviews ko, gusto kong maka-improve ng living conditions dito. Focus on education talaga. Public education, kasi, nakikita ko ang kakulangan sa sistema natin dito compared sa ibang bansa. ‘Yun ang talagang gusto ko!” pananaw pa ni Chris.

What more can he ask for?
“Gusto kong maibalik ang blessings na binigay ng Diyos sa akin. Gusto kong makatulong.

“Sa personal life, gusto kong maging masaya at magkaroon ng family later on at maging happy sa buhay!” sey niya.

Is he the marrying kind?
“Yeah!” sagot niya.
When?
“Tagal pa! Marami pa akong gustong gawin” pagtatapos ni Chris.

Tim Yap- Supreme
The Philippines Star

I first met Chris a year ago at the birthday party of Manny Pangilinan, whose birthday falls a day before Chris’. The day of this shoot, he was on his way to buy MVP a gift, a token that was symbolic of the Ateneo team that the country’s foremost philanthropist supports. “Part of the team captain’s job,” he muses, as we talk about the UAAP season and basketball, which I know nothing about.

But this guy knows his job all too well. A perfect example of the “slasher generation,” Chris manages to do it all, and he does it all too well. Juggling school with a mini food business, a TV show, some endorsements on the side, his duties in his barangay and of course, carrying the blue flag of the Eagles at the UAAP hardcourt, he has reached mythical status in the eyes of many. Upon entry into the packed stadium, the mention of the name Chris Tiu, jersey #17 sends bolts of lightning and smashes of thunder — the shrieking of female fans renders the coliseum deaf. As soon as he grabs the ball and plays the court, it is the guys’ turn to go gaga — because this guy knows his game.

Without trying to flatter the guy, I went on to tell him about the little research that I did on him — checking my niece’s camera to find a photo opportunity with her ultimate crush, yes that’s Chris. Another one recalls an instant when, upon leaving Araneta Coliseum, a fan tried her best to reach out and touch any part of Chris, but was unable to. In the end, she was able to grab a whiff — of his sweat. And this made her extremely ecstatic. Yes, there is a new breed of fans out there in the UAAP courts — they’re called the Tiu-natics

Of course, all this makes the humble and extremely low-key Chris blush, but I assured him that this is all part of the ballgame. “When I get to the courts, I just forget about everything and concentrate on the game,” which proves the point that none of all the perks and trappings of being a collegiate basketball superstar has entered his level-headed mindset. Meeting and talking to Chris, the first thing that would come to your mind is, “Wow, this guy was raised quite well.” It’s like, he’s perfect and yet he gives off no sense of being intimidating at all. Grounded to the core. Makes me think twice about his Ateneo background — just kidding! I have utmost respect for the Jesuits, and the La Sallian brothers. Can’t we support both?

The game and beyond: knowing I come from the other green-dom, I asked him how has the response been whenever he would encounter Archers out for Eagles’ blood. “I’ve been pretty lucky — the La Salle peeps have been nice to me… so far.”

I believe this guy will go beyond the game. After college, he intends to go to China or a couple of months to look for business opportunities. But fret not, basketball is still in his plans. “After my China trip, I’ll get back in shape, do PBL, then maybe try out for the PBA. Let’s see what happens.”

Chris has gone from winning three straight championships for his high school home team in Xavier, to hopefully for his alma mater Ateneo — at the same time maintaining Dean’s List honors and a steady relationship with his high school sweetheart, a charming chinita named Clarisse. Whew! That goes beyond basketball seasons! He seems pretty set. “If ever, my long-term career would still be business.”

But for now, at least, his wings are in place, and despite the rain and the looming storm, he looks out to the sky. You look at him and you’re certain of one thing — this guy is gonna go places.

How do you deal with victory?
I thank the Lord first and foremost, then I try not to get too high after a win because we still have upcoming games which I have to focus on.

How do you deal with defeat?
I review and analyze the game and why we lost, then I try to make improvements on my part.

Tell us about your most memorable game?
I made the winning basket with six seconds left in the game against DLSU in last UAAP’s Final 4 match where they had the twice-to-beat advantage.

What is your most embarrassing experience?
I tried on a pair on jeans and walked out of the fitting room excited to show my friend only to find out that it was for ladies.

Did you ever think you will be this popular?
No. I’ve always wanted to be low-key.

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Is there pressure for you to be wholesome?
Somewhat, but it is also a personal preference to portray a wholesome image.

What gets you high?
Beating La Salle.

What keeps you grounded?
My family and my faith in God.

I get thrilled when: I get to visit breathtaking tourist sights.

I feel down when: I know I’ve disappointed someone.

I think the Green Archers are: tough, talented and “international.”

Being blue-blooded means: a proud “Man/Woman for Others”.

The first thing I do when I reach school is: to make sure that the professor knows I’m present and on time.

The first thing I do before a game is: rest and eat well.

The last thing I do after a game is: read and reply to all my text messages.

The last time I got mad during a game was: because of the referees, which is usually the case.

The last thing I do before I sleep is: pray.

When I grow up, I want to be: able to make the Philippines a better place to live for the Filipinos.

I believe I can: make a difference!