There is a wealth of evidence showing that the coronavirus pandemic has crippled economies across the world, leaving billions of people without any viable means of income. To no one’s surprise, athletes here in the Philippines could also not evade this fast ball from the left field, with countless sporting events coming to a screeching halt in light of the crisis. That is why most of them have already been channeling their energies into entrepreneurship, rendering their tactical wits into business acumen to survive these difficult times. So if you are in need of inspiration in finding a temporary source of income? Then pick up a thing or two from these resourceful Filipino sports personalities.
Ricky Marcos
Known as a fleet-footed libero on the taraflex, Ricky Marcos has brought his vaunted agility and stamina to the streets by selling fish around Imus, Cavite using a bicycle. The National University stalwart is not one to shy away from taking on tough tasks as he has been picking up fresh goods at the port at dawn before delivering it door-to-door around their vicinity. On the side, he also transports frozen goods in the same area, working in partnership with his colleague Fauzi Ismail, who sells Korean barbecue meat, side dishes, desserts, and even electric grills for that home samgyeopsal setup through his business, Dee Frozen Products.
Marcos was supposed to have an action-packed year ahead of him, if it had not been for the COVID-19 outbreak. He could have helped the NU Bulldogs in its three-peat bid in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82, and suited up for Sta. Elena and the Philippine men’s national volleyball team in the pro circuit and international tournaments, respectively, later in the year. For now, though, his focus is on bicycle food delivery service as he keeps himself in tip-top shape while providing a financial safety net for his family.
Mary Joy Tabal
Mary Joy Tabal has been known as a human running machine on the oval, but not to the knowledge of many is her love for baking. The 2016 Rio Olympian, who previously donned the tricolors of the country in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and copped silver in women’s marathon, is passionate in whipping up goodies. So passionate that she has turned it into a full-blown business, setting up the Queen Mary’s Kitchen.
With all the time she has in the absence of competitions, the proud daughter of Cebu has become an expert in crafting cupcakes. In fact, a flavorful muffin tour awaits customers when they pay her online bake shop a visit. She prides herself on serving up “healthy, yummy, guilt-free, low carb, soft muffins” that are freshly-baked upon order.
Carl Bryan Cruz
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has been facing speed bump after speed bump in its resumption attempt, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the future of its players. Without a definite timetable for their return, a number of them have opted to open start-ups in the thick of the lockdown, one of whom is Blackwater Bossing’s forward Carl Bryan Cruz. Named after his initials, he put up CBC Enterprises, an equipment shop for car cleaning and disinfecting needs and an undertaking that was conceived by his love for automobiles.
Having started from high pressure water cleaning equipment, the perennial Gilas Pilipinas cager has now expanded the selection of tools on hand which includes stainless vacuums, mini welding machines and a variety of trolleys, among many others. Not only that, the market reach of his business has also improved. It now provides supplies and delivery service in North Caloocan, Makati, Antipolo, Paranaque and Cebu, thanks largely in part of his social media following.
Ron Dennison
Since the start of the long quarantine period, athletes have plenty of time on their hands without the usual day-to-day practices and games. But despite the lull in activities, strength and conditioning training remains their topmost responsibility. While this rings true for anyone in the field of sports, PBA player Ron Dennison did not just see it as an obligation but also an opportunity to supplement his financial needs.
The Blackwater guard, who also happens to be a longtime running mate of Cruz since their collegiate days, ventures into selling of gym equipment through his online store, Ron D Sports and Fitness. Most of the products on sale are bodyweight workout tools such push-up boards, jump ropes and resistance bands, with a delivery service that only covers Quezon City and Manila areas.
It is safe to say that the main factor which has allowed Dennison to earn money in such a line of work is his solid understanding on fitness as a professional athlete. This makes him a good example of someone who invested on knowledge to obtain one’s needs.
Javi Gomez de Liano
Another local hoops personality that took a shot at the sports retail industry is Javi Gomez de Liano, a widely-renowned PBA prospect who recently played for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. He, along with his girlfriend Einica Nicole Buhain, launched Cole’s Sporting Goods on various social media platforms to augment their earnings. Their online store offers a wide list of training essentials, ranging from workout equipment to sports apparels and down to supplements. For transporting products, they often rely on ride-hailing apps, but there are a few occasions that Gomez de Liano does it by himself.
Bam Bam Gamalinda
Filipinos are certified lovers of charcoal-grilled foods, and Bam Bam Gamalinda is no different. The newest addition to PBA powerhouse San Miguel Beermen has been vocal about his fondness for Sinugba dishes such as chicken inasal, grilled salmon and tuna belly, and grilled garlic longganisa, among many others, to the point that he formed an online food business based around it.
Bannering an evident homage to the late, great Kobe Bryant through its name, BlackBAMbas Grill viands has become a favorite in the basketball community, drawing patronage from the likes of Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Arwind Santos and Danny Ildefonso, to name a few.
Jayvee Sumagaysay
PLDT middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay has also become a part of a growing bunch of athletes who turned into food business owners in these trying times. Through the guidance of his chef brother, the former University of Santo Tomas standout and national pool member opened Sherep, which caters to customers craving for scrumptious chicken wings, the ever-favorite garlic fried rice-egg combination or Silog meals, fries and desserts.
Sumagaysay serves as the food delivery personnel, transporting dishes via a motorcycle. It was even reported that he suffered a road accident in NLEX while on duty, which he luckily survived without any major injury. With a new lease on life, he has been giving back to the frontliners battling the dreaded virus by distributing meals for free.
Margielyn Arda Didal
Bemedalled skateboarder Margielyn Arda Didal also chose an undertaking right down the food business alley. Recently remembered for her double-gold stint in the 2019 SEA Games, the Cebuano hotshot has given her hometown a food-delivery business to check out. Appropriately named as Hungry Sk8rs, this start-up prepares various Filipino dishes and meriendas such as humba with egg, spicy shrimps and binisayang ginamay, among others.
With most of the sporting scene on hiatus, it is evident that athletes, who are often placed on a pedestal for their superhuman qualities and extraordinary feats, are no different from the weary masses. They have been going through their fair share of trials and tribulations, as they constantly find ways to ease the financial stress brought about by the pandemic. But nothing seems to bring out the best in them than being in the darkest of situations. Toughened by their battles on the athletic field, their resilience and perseverance shine through, providing grounds of hope in these challenging times. Safe to say, sports continue to have a positive impact even in the current situation and so, Filipino athletes can be a great source of strength and inspiration for those in dire need of it.