John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Forthsky Padrigao talks to the press during Zamboanga Valientes' media day on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737545491842IMG_20250122_192922.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Forthsky Padrigao talks to the press during Zamboanga Valientes&#x27; media day on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City.<em> Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA, Philippines – It was all about taking Zamboangueño pride to the international stage for Forthsky Padrigao, as he joined the Valientes for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.</p><p>Padrigao was elated for the chance to represent his hometown as he looked back the last time he was able to do it — all the way back when he was in Grade 6.</p><p>This run also gives Padrigao a chance to cross paths again with his former coach, Bobedick delos Santos.</p><p>&quot;Excited lang kasi, like I’ve said before, huling na-represent ko ‘yung Zamboanga I was Grade 6 pa and then same head coach, si coach Bobedick [delos Santos]. siya rin ‘yung naging coach ko sa Ateneo from Grade 2 to Grade 6 so I’m just really excited na makasama ulit ‘yung mga fellow Zamboangueños ko kasi hindi palaging may ganitong opportunity na binibigay sa atin,&quot; Padrigao told reporters during the team&#x27;s media day on Tuesday before flying to Dubai.</p><p>&quot;I’ll cherish this one, and talagang ie-enjoy ko lang ‘to.&quot;</p><p>Padrigao, looking at the future and also a reality check, said that as he and Nic Cabañero are eventually bound for the pros, this campaign would help them flourish their game.</p><p>They still have one playing year for the UST Growling Tigers.</p><p>&quot;Malaki siya ‘no kasi as we all know ‘yung Dubai Invitational I think isa ‘yan sa mga matataas din na liga internationally,&quot; said the 5-foot-10 guard.</p><p>&quot;Maswerte kami dahil binigyan kami ng opportunity ng Valientes and then ‘di lang tayo ‘yung magre-represent, nandun din ‘yung SGA. Masaya lang din ako talaga kasi kasama ko ‘yung mga pros dito. After this year, pupunta na rin naman kami ng pro ni Nic so malaking bagay na na-experience namin ‘yung ganitong klaseng experience and especially, internationally.&quot;</p><p>Meanwhile, sharing the backcourt with Cabañero makes the Dubai stint more special, said Padrigao.</p><p>&quot;Special siya kasi si Nic kasama ko. Lahat siguro ng pwede naming matutunan sa Dubai League, like what I’ve said din kanina, magiging sponge lang kami ni Nic talaga dito kasi lahat ng makakalaban namin mas experienced sa amin eh kung paguusapan natin about basketball career,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;‘Yun lang talaga, doing everything that we can and then maybe apply it sa paparating na liga.&quot;</p><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABTZrjsng74ixie8&amp;activation=click&amp;vip_mode=playing&amp;vip_position=bottom-right"></script>

<p>It was all about taking Zamboangueño pride to the international stage for Forthsky Padrigao, as he joined the Valientes for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.</p>

It was all about taking Zamboangueño pride to the international stage for Forthsky Padrigao, as he joined the Valientes for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

Forthsky Padrigao thrilled to represent Zamboanga—via Valientes—in Dubai pocket tournament

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Forthsky Padrigao thrilled to represent Zamboanga—via Valientes—in Dubai pocket tournament

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 22, 2025 10:18 PM PHT

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34th Dubai International Basketball Championship

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