By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
Jonathan Moses Manalili, point guard of Letran Knights, surrenders in solemn prayer during the La Naval Mass at STo. Domingo Church. Photo by William Tulagan | The LANCE.
After taking a rough trail in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights seek prayers in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila by attending the holy mass on Thursday, October 8, at the Sto. Domingo Parish Church.
The Knights have struggled to find their footing in the past week, after facing hurdles in their first three games against the JRU Heavy Bombers, San Beda Red Lions, and CSB Blazers, where they lost all games due to last minute breakdowns.
Even if all the odds were piling up against this young team, they remain steadfast in each other and in the belief that this solemn time will lift a few burdens off their shoulders, including the health conditions that deprived them of playing in full form.
Letran missed key players Deo Cuajao and Jimboy Estrada in two of their games due to illness, Jun Roque due to his ailing shoulder, while Nathaniel Montecillo remained sidelined due to an arm injury. In their recent match, Jonathan Manalili also suffered an ankle sprain but was able to finish the endgame against the Blazers.
Manalili, the 21-year-old rookie spearheading the Knights in offense, stressed the importance of the team coming together in this eucharistic celebration of the feast of La Naval and having deep conversation with God.
“Kailangan namin ngayon ‘to, kasi nga nakikita naman namin ‘yung mga nangyayari sa’min sa court. Lalo na ‘yung health namin, nagkakaproblema kami, and ‘yun kailangan namin lumapit kay God para makipag usap sa kanya, kung ano’ng mga nagawa namin or ano’ng kulang or ano pang kailangan naming gawin,” he shared in an interview with The LANCE.
Faith Over Frustration
Despite the murky situation they found themselves in, and the bright lights of the media covering them closely—they remain vocal in highlighting that this was never an unfamiliar place to begin with as they have overcome countless challenges in the past that resulted in both victory and vain.
The Cebuano guard is positive that this slump does not define their entire season as he firmly believes that the key for the team to keep moving forward is their familiarity and bond with each other—with faith and trust as its foundation.
“Gagawin ko parin yung best ko, tiwala naman ako sa lahat. Hindi naman siguro doon nagtatapos lahat kahit natalo man kami. Kilala ko naman itong team na ito talagang hindi rin ito nagpapatalo,” he said.
While outside noise still looms over their search for a first victory, their willingness to win for the school blocks out these negative voices and remains hopeful that the community showers them with more support during their run.
“Ang prayer ko lang naman eh maging okay na kaming lahat, lalo na sa health namin and sa mga nararamdaman namin bawat isa—and sana makuha na rin namin yung panalo kasi nga madami kaming naririnig na negative comments sa ibang tao. Sabi lang naman ng mga coaches na ipagpray lang namin sila.”
“Pinagdarasal ko rin na ‘yung buong Letran community na hindi mawalan ng suporta sa amin,” he added.
Back to the Goal
After their spiritual encounter, Manalili told The LANCE that they will get back to preparing for their next game. He confirmed that his ankle is still in good form as he gets treatment. For him, now is not the time to feel at ease and rest, especially when they are eager to defeat their opponents.
“Magpapagaling ako, hindi pa kailangan magpahinga kasi wala pa kaming panalo, kumbaga, hindi pa oras magpahinga.”
The Letran Knights will face the EAC Generals for their fourth game of the season on Saturday, October 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Currently, the Generals hold a record of one victory over JRU and a loss against CSB.