Michael Mabulac relishes not only the awards he recently was given in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup but more so just the opportunity to play the game of basketball all while earning a living.
The powerful forward shared that the pandemic has been tough on him and his family, with basketball leagues being shelved to curb the spread of Covid-19. His luck, though, would turn when Jumbo Plastic-Basilan came calling for his services.
"Napakaswerte naming nagkaroon ng trabaho in the middle of pandemic. Ako pinapahalagahan ko yun kasi sa loob noong isang taon stressed na stressed ako kasi hindi ko alam kung paano ako magpo-provide sa pamilya ko," said Mabulac.
Tough as it was to be away from his family, Mabulac said the task was made easier with the all-out support of his wife, Mori, who challenged him to play well and perhaps win an individual award.
"Pinupush ako ng misis ko na makakuha ng award so chinallenge ko rin yung sarili ko. Sabi ko kung may makuha ako, salamat bonus na lang yun pero ang pinakamahalaga yung goal namin na mag champion," shared the 6-foot-4 product of Jose Rizal University.
Not only did Mabulac claim one award but he got two as he got a spot on the Mythical Five and was named co-Finals MVP with teammate Jay Collado. Mabulac averaged 12.3 points, 11. 3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the three-game series against KCS-Mandaue.
"'Yung Mythical Five sobrang tuwa ko na noon. Nagulat ako nung nasa Mythical Five ako tapos ito pa champion na MVP pa," said Mabulac.
"Hindi ako pamilyar sa award na ito sa totoo lang eh, huling MVP ko yata 12 years ago na. Makapag Finals MVP sa ganitong liga na malalakas,, tapos ang lakas ng lineup namin ang hirap din na mailabas ko yung laro ko tulad ng ginagawa ko sa ibang team na limitado yung star player. Talagang bonus para sa akin ito." (JNP)