A MONTH after the 6-foot-8 Heinz Gabriel “Kobe” Demisana, 15, confirmed his plans of moving to Manila when the Covid-19 pandemic is over will most-likely be put on hold.
This is because the incoming Grade 10 student from Pontevedra has some issues which need to be settled first with his current athletic and educational sponsor - the JGM Dreams Foundation, Inc.
According to JGM Dreams Foundation, Inc. President Jose Montalbo, they have supported Demisana since the time he was brought to Bacolod Tay Tung High School.
“We even enrolled him to the Catholic Ming Yuan College, Inc in Murcia just to learn Chinese education. This is because he can’t be admitted immediately to Tay Tung since he doesn’t have a background in Chinese education,” Montalbo explained.
Montalbo stressed that if Demisana really wants to move to a Manila-based school, then they must formally talk.
“It’s all about values. It’s all about respect. Just be honest,” he said. “My volleyball players have honestly told me about offers from various schools which I helped them get favorable scholarships. This is because I know what they can offer back to the schools which recruited them,” Montalbo explained.
Meanwhile, Montalbo disclosed that a university sponsor has requested to have a meeting with him to discuss the possible release of Demisana.
“He asked favor [through a third party] if we can talk regarding ‘Kobe’ which I agreed. Anytime,” he said.
“They need to respect us. It’s not because we are from the province, they will treat us this way,” Montalbo said. “They have done this many times, and I have already learned from it. They have to understand that we also spend for the student-athletes’ education. So, it’s rightful to give it back so we can also use it to support other student-athletes,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Demisana's mother Charlene said that everytime there are talks and offers to their son, they just tell them, "if you want Kobe, you talk first to Mr. Montalbo."
For now, Demisana is still enrolled as a scholar at Tay Tung and only needs to personally register himself to be admitted this academic year.