A NATIVE of Manila who found a niche in Davao City through his passion in basketball.
That's Mark Xavier A. de Guzman, 44, a former coach who founded the Davao Inter-BPO League (DIBL), a league which provides Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies a sporting avenue for its employees.
De Guzman rose to prominence in the BPO industry after establishing the league while uniting the primary call center companies in one basketball tournament.
It was De Guzman's first project which is inspired from the longest-running BPO league, the BPO Classics in Manila, where he used to coach a company team for more than a year.
"I'm really passionate sa basketball even during my elementary, high school and college years and even sa mga subdivision tsaka barangay leagues. Nadala ko rin sa employment kasi lahat ng company na nag work ako hindi pwedeng walang basketball team," de Guzman said on his passion for the game.
Ever since, De Guzman's desire for basketball was unwavering. But it was in 1998 when he got his break by becoming an actual playing coach in a Japanese company in Lipa City Batangas which paved the way to become where he is now.
"It started from a company sports festival before they competed in commercial leagues until 2004," de Guzman said, citing that during those years they have won the 1st Inter Lima Technology Center Basketball League.
In 2008, De Guzman joined the BPO industry particularly in Teleperformance in Sucat Site and nailed a formidable seven straight championship titles in their sports festival.
"I'm also part of the coaching staff sa TP (Teleperformance) All Star and won championships sa Colympics in 2010 then BPO Classics in 2015," he said, just by the time he moved to Davao City after being promoted as a call center manager.
While embracing a huge responsibility as an employee, De Guzman hasn't left his passion behind.
He coached TP Davao and gained a back-to-back title before leaving the BPO industry to pursue a financial advisor profession in Pru Life UK.
"Well, everything happens for a reason and I do believe that what's happening right now is all God's will and I'm just an instrument here. To God be all the glory," said De Guzman.
His new job fits his new responsibility as a commissioner as well as a father since the job he chose doesn't require eight hours of work.
"I'm very grateful that God gave me the skills and talent to play and coach basketball. I'm also grateful that I had the chance to play and coach my eldest son din, hoping that my two boys will continue the passion that I have for the game. Who knows baka nga mas maganda pa ang future lalo ng nung bunso," he added.
By transitioning from becoming an entrePRUneur from a regular employee, De Guzman said looks a brighter future ahead for his family while continue hoping for the growth of DIBL.
"Live your dreams and whatever it takes live life to the fullest and be grateful in every circumstance," Mark de Guzman.