Coach Roger Gorayeb is known as one of the fiercest mentors in Philippine volleyball.
He can be creative with his timeout spiels to his players, sometimes using colorful metaphors when calling out their mistakes or issuing reminders.
In Chino Trinidad's report on "24 Oras," Friday, the veteran coach said he does this so the players would come to their senses and focus on the game.
"Konting komedya lang 'yung parang medyo pa-sarkastiko, mangingiti na lang sila eh pagka narinig nilang sinasabi ko," he said.
("Just a little comic relief that is slightly sarcastic, so they can't help but smile when they hear what I say.")
In a recent game, Coach Roger told his rookie Katherine Santos that she's like a tourist during the fifth set.
"Nakatunganga po kasi ako doon sa likod eh kailangan ko po dumepensa," Katherine said. "Sanay na rin po ako sa mga ganung sistema kaya patibayan na lang po ng loob."
("I was spacing out in the back row when I need to be on defense. I'm used to it so it's just a matter of steeling yourself.")
Coach Roger, who has been coaching since 1984, is a cancer survivor. Despite the hardships he has faced, he hopes to continue guiding young athletes.
"'Yung feeling mo na nakatulong ka sa isang bata, at the same time nakatulong ka rin sa family niya, 'yun ang nagbibigay sa akin ng kalakasan na wag magsawa na magturo, na mag-recruit sa player."
("The feeling of helping a young athlete, at the same time helping their family, that's what gives me strength to continue teaching, recruiting players.")
—MGP, GMA News
