PBA Legends Alvin Patrimonio & Jerry Codinera Search for Next Hardcourt Greats at Alaxan Galing Mo Camp in Davao City

Former basketball superstar Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codinera have once again returned to Brgy. Matina Crossing where a basketball court dubbed as the “Court of Inspiration” was built by local volunteers last year.

Together with Benjie Paras, Jojo Lastimosa, Ronnie Magsanoc and Johnny Abarientos, they have been going around the country to conduct basketball training camps. The program is part of Alaxan FR’s nationwide advocacy to promote a culture of hard work and dedication, where pain is seen as a badge of honor.

Dubbed as the Galing Mo Camp—a training program that will reward not only those who work hard but also those who demonstrate the attitude of champions – the program had young, local basketball players demonstrating heart and skills for a chance to receive special training in Manila under the basketball legends, aside from winning cash grants for themselves and their communities.

The training camp was met with much enthusiasm, as aspiring locals aged 16-21 years old trooped to Matina Crossing’s Court of Inspiration to undergo drills and receive assessment from the discerning basketball legends. To quote one participant, “Mahirap po, lalo na kapag galing sa PBA yung nagjujudge sa’yo. Talagang kelangang magpursige at galingan ko”. It’s hard, especially when you’re being judged by former PBA players. I really need to do my best and persevere).

Championing Hard Work

According to Jerry Codinera, the basketball camp aims to reward those who used the Courts of Inspiration to train hard and perfect their basketball skills. Five of the best local prospects that would be chosen will be sent to train in the program’s national leg, along with others from Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Sarangani, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Tacloban and Zamboanga and the chance to be scouted in amateur and collegiate leagues.

But more than improving talent, Codinera stresses that the program seeks to instill the value of hard work, dedication and good attiitude, especially among the young participants. “Gusto namin na maranasan nila mismo yung pagsisikap na kailangan para mag-excel sa buhay” (We want them to realize firsthand the amount of hard work that’s needed to excel in life), he tells.

Through the advocacy, Alaxan FR and the basketball legends aim to “inspire greatness through sheer diligence.” Through both advice and direct experience, they constantly remind the new generation of basketball players about the value of hard work in achieving dreams.

Helping the Community

“Pero hindi lang ‘to para sa sarili nila. Kung talagang magpupursige sila, at kakikitaan ng tamang kaugalian, may pagkakataon silang matulungan ang kanilang barangay..” (This isn’t just for themselves. If they train hard enough and exhibit the winning attitude, they could also get a chance to help their community), says Codinera. According to Shiela Roño, Alaxan FR Product Manager, the top 10 participants in the national roster will receive Php20,000, as well as a Php100,000 financial grant for an infrastructure project for his community.

“Last year, we sought to teach Barangay Matina Crossing that great things can come from working hard together,” adds Shiela Roño, citing the volunteer-built Courts of Inspiration. After Visayas and Mindanao, similar courts are currently being built by local folk in Luzon. “This year, we aim to let them experience how hard work and dedication can make a difference, not just for themselves but also for their communities. “ (Alaxan FR)

Shown in this photo below are Jerry Codinera and Alvin Patrimonio (center) with the five chosen players who will be sent to Manila this April for the national leg of the Alaxan FR’s Galing Mo Camp program. There are two reserve players with them in the photo who were also chosen in case any of the five may not be able to pursue or finish their basketball camp training in Manila.

Photo credits to DAVAOLIFE.com