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Grieving Rhenz Abando powers through as Strong Group heads to Dubai quarterfinals


Philippine team Strong Group Athletics is heading to the quarterfinals of the Dubai International Basketball Championship on Thursday after sweeping all four games in Group A of the elimination round.

One Strong Group player, however, is powering through pain as he grieves the loss of a loved one.

Days after SGA arrived in the UAE, Rhenz Abando received heartbreaking news that his grandmother Lola Ansing passed away.

"Laking lola ako. Lumaki ako sa pamilyang walang tatay so lola ko naging nanay samin and nanay ko naging tatay para samin,” Abando said as reported in the team's website

“So simula noong bata ako, kasama ko na lola ko, siya na nagpalaki sa'ming magkakapatid kaya masasabi kong close ako sa lola ko and lola’s boy talaga ako.”

However, playing basketball somehow relieves the pain for Abando.

“Laking tulong na lang din sa akin ang laro, kahit paano nakakalimutan ko 'yung bigat ng nararamdaman ko,” Abando said.

At the end of the day, Abando said he is doing everything he can to support his family, while also keeping his eyes on the prize for Strong Group.

“Ginagawa ko kasi 'to para sa pamilya ko, hindi lang para sa sarili ko, gusto ko maranas sila nang magandang buhay eh lalo na 'yung lola and mama ko. Dami nilang sinakripisyo para sa'min. Pero goal pa rin dito is mag champion," Abando added.

Abando and the rest of the Strong Group Athletics will face Sharjah SC in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News