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Basketball: After grandma's passing, Rhenz Abando channels grief into motivation

Article (news)

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173823047130120250130 (4).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The high-flying Rhenz Abando. <em>Photo from Strong Group-Philippines </em></span></span></span></div><p>Behind Rhenz Abando&#x27;s prolific performance in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is a grieving heart, missing the grandmother he loved the most.</p><p>Abando has been spectacular for Strong Group, leading the local scoring with 9.0 points a game.</p><p>But days after arriving in Dubai, his beloved grandmother whom he called Lola Ansing, passed away.</p><p>The Strong Group-Philippines standout revealed that he grew up without a father figure and was raised by his lola.</p><p>“Laking lola ako. Lumaki ako sa pamilyang walang tatay so lola ko naging nanay sa &#x27;min and nanay ko naging tatay para sa &#x27;min,” he said.</p><p>“So simula noong bata ako, kasama ko na lola ko. Siya na nagpalaki sa &#x27;ming magkakapatid, kaya masasabi kong close ako sa lola ko and lola’s boy talaga ako.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/1/20/strong-group-athletics-gears-up-for-dubai-tournament-0129"><strong>READ: Strong Group Athletics gears up for Dubai tournament<br/></strong></a></div><p>Playing basketball in Dubai, in a way, shifts his focus from the pain he is experiencing right now following the loss of his grandmother.</p><p>“Laking tulong na lang din sa akin ang laro, kahit paano nakakalimutan ko &#x27;yung bigat ng nararamdaman ko,” he said.</p><p>Abando remains motivated as he channels the pain into inspiration to work and play better.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/1/21/chris-mccullough-set-for-strong-group-return-in-dubai-tilt-replaces-terry-larrier-1745"><strong>READ: Chris McCullough set for Strong Group return in Dubai tilt, replaces Terry Larrier<br/></strong></a></div><p>“Ginagawa ko kasi &#x27;to para sa pamilya ko, hindi lang para sa sarili ko. Gusto ko maranas nila ang magandang buhay, eh lalo na &#x27;yung lola and mama ko. Dami nilang sinakripisyo para sa &#x27;min,&quot; the former University of Santo Tomas stalwart said.</p><p>The squad, led by former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins, has clinched the top seed by sweeping its bracket 4-0. The Athletics are now gearing towards a playoff run, where they will face Sharjah Sports Club in the quarterfinals.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VcsGXksZZmM??si=0w9cmz1OpOEHZxJQ&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Behind Rhenz Abando's prolific performance in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is a grieving heart, missing the grandmother he loved the most.</p>

Behind Rhenz Abando's prolific performance in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is a grieving heart, missing the grandmother he loved the most.