By: Jonash Dannug
Photo by Angela Davocol/The LANCE.
Eleven months after he departed Intramuros for the Philippine Basketball Association
(PBA), Rey Nambatac is back once again as he donned the Blue and Red and suited up for
the Letran Knights in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 94
Shooting Stars Challenge; teaming up with Christian Fajarito and Letran Squire Stacey
Tibayan.
“It’s good to be back. Na-suot ko uli ‘yung Letran jersey, nakaka-miss syempre, ‘dun tayo
nag simula sa Letran eh,” Nambatac said.
Nambatac did not hesitate once he received the invitation from Letran Athletics Director
Fr. Victor Calvo O.P.
“Para sa akin, nung in-invite ako ni Father Vic, ‘di ako nag dalawang isip na tanggapin ‘yun
kasi opportunity din ‘yun para mag give back na ‘din sa kanila [Letran],” the Rain or Shine
rookie added.
The 2015 NCAA champion also bared that he’s just a phone call away whenever Letran
needs him.
“Andito lang ako [para] sa kanila lalo na pag mga shooting stars, para maipakita ko sa
kanila na nandito pa ‘rin ako sakanila nag che-cheer sa kanila,” he said.
Wearing a Letran uniform brought back memories of his storied collegiate career.
However, as much as he misses playing for his Alma Mater, Nambatac is already satisfied
with the way he ended his eight-year stint with Letran.
“Ang gaan sa pakiramdam eh. Kasi eight years ako dito sa San Juan Arena, tapos ngayon
pupunta nalang ako dito para manood. Pero iba pa ‘rin pag suot mo ‘yung jersey tapos nag-
lalaro,” he said.
“Pero ganoon talaga ‘yung buhay ng college player. ‘Di ka naman pwedeng maiwan ‘dun e.
Ngayon, para sakin, masaya ako na may naiwan akong magandang memories para sa
Letran tsaka NCAA,” he added.
Nambatac, Fajarito, and Tibayan placed fifth overall and clocked 49 seconds in the Shooting
Stars Challenge.
(With reports from Angela Davocol)