Chris’ Journey: Dreams from the Province, Triumphs in the City
Chris Hubilla’s journey to the bright lights of college basketball was anything but ordinary. His father first influenced him to play basketball, unaware that the sport would become their ticket to a better life. Basketball has taken Chris to places he never dreamed of, making his reality a dream come true.
“Hindi ko akalain na yung basketball din pala ang makakatulong sakin, ang makakatulong sa family ko. Basketball din pala ang makakapagpaaral sakin, basketball din pala ang makakapagpapunta sakin sa Manila, and the same ang makakapagpakamit sakin ng mga gusto ko makamit sa buhay,” Hubilla shared in an exclusive with ALL-STAR.
The former fisherman from Sorsogon never imagined that basketball would take him far. Like any other child, he started playing for fun, a simple pastime with his friends.
“Nagsimula ako mga 10 years old pa lang ako. Naglalaro ako sa amin, yung mga kuya-kuya ko dun tinuturuan ako, pero wala sa isip ko yung pagpunta sa Manila. Doon lang sa amin laro-laro lang talaga at happy ako na naglalaro lang.”
Chris didn’t achieve success overnight. He believes his readiness to seize opportunities helped him earn his Freshman of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards.
“Syempre, makinig lang sa mga coaches, at the same time, i-ready lang din yung sarili ko na pag pinasok ako, magtatrabaho ako at magdedepensa din talaga ako.”
Beyond his basketball talent, Chris is deeply faithful. He draws strength from his prayers before games and practices. His approach includes learning from mistakes and always striving to improve.
“Dasal lang talaga kay Lord. Nanghihingi ako ng gabay lagi every game, every practice, na iwas ako sa injury, na magawa ko yung pinapagawa ng mga coaches, at kahit magkamali ako, babawi talaga ako.”
During the pandemic, Chris felt like he had nothing. He didn’t dream of playing collegiate basketball, but as the saying goes, doors open for those who deserve it. And for Chris, a door opened when he needed it most.
“Nanalig talaga ako kay Lord. Kasi akalain mo, pandemic, walang-wala talaga ako noon. Parang wala akong pangarap sa buhay, kaibigan-kaibigan lang. Pero binigyan ako ni Lord ng ganitong pagkakataon, ganitong opportunity. Ginrab ko lang talaga yung binigay sa akin.”
Chris started as a Red Cub under Coach Manu Inigo and eventually joined the Cardinals for his collegiate career. The promising discovery proved to be one of the rising stars in collegiate basketball.
“Juniors pa lang kinukuha na ako ng Mapua. Napunta lang ako sa Beda dahil kay Coach Manu. Nung PSL at MBL, nakatune-up namin yung Pasig dati. Nakita nila ako, tinanong pangalan ko, tapos ayun, tuloy-tuloy na dahil sa Beda.”
To celebrate his progress, Chris enjoys splurging on clothes. Coming from a financially struggling family, being able to afford what he once only dreamed of is a reward he gives himself.
“Gusto ko lang bilhin yung mga gusto ko. Kasi nga, hindi ko nabibili dati. Ngayon nabibili ko na, at nire-regalo ko lang sa sarili ko kung ano na yung narating ko.”
Initially, his only goal was to win a championship for his school, not to receive personal accolades. After winning, he was seen tearfully thanking God, holding a rosary, overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Sobrang happy, hindi ako makapaniwala kasi madaming magagaling na freshman sa NCAA ngayon. Sobrang happy at nagpapasalamat talaga ako kay Lord. Hindi ko naman talaga hiniling ito. Hindi ko kinausap si Lord na ‘Lord, bigay mo sa akin ito.’ Nagpasalamat lang ako sa kanya. Kasi kung deserve ko ito, kay Lord ito. Binigay sakin ni Lord ito.”
Chris hopes to inspire others, showing that no matter how tough life gets, perseverance and faith will lead to brighter opportunities.
“Itong paghahawakan ko hanggang sa mga magiging anak ko at sa mga kababayan ko. Gusto ko ipakita sa kanila na kahit sobrang hirap ng buhay sa probinsya, mangarap din sila. Dati lagi lang naglalaot, nakikitira kung saan-saan. Ngayon, andito na.”
Chris’s story is truly inspiring—someone who once fished to support his family and struggled through life’s hardships. He draws strength from his family and remains dedicated to giving back.
“Nagsimula ako sa mahirap na buhay. Naging inspirasyon ko ang family ko. Gusto kong ipadama sa kanila yung mga hindi ko nadama nung bata ako. Sobrang hirap, sobrang dami kong pinagdaanan—yung wala kaming makain, nakikitira lang sa iba, nagpapakupkop sa kaibigan. Maraming struggle, pero nakamit ko lahat ito dahil kay Lord.”