Hailing from Kibabwe, Bukidnon, the soaring sensation Poypoy Actub is lighting up the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with his jaw-dropping, gravity-defying dunks.
He recently put up a show in his debut season as a pro basketball player, leading his team, the Imus SV Squad to a massive victory against Bulacan in the ongoing MPBL season. His standout moment was his high-flying skills, dunking seven times during the game, setting a new MPBL record for the most dunks in a single match, reported DugOut Philippines.
But the story behind his success is rooted in a journey that saw him often grounded and struggling to secure his family’s approval.
Prior to becoming the center of attention, Actub found himself at odds with his family over his pursuits. Whether it was biking, street dancing, or motocross, his passions were met with disapproval from his parents and grandparents alike.
“Pinagalitan ako. Wala naman daw ako mapapala,” Actub candidly disclosed on his YouTube channel.
The bumps, bruises, and injuries he sustained from these endeavors made his family even more displeased and didn’t help in any way sway his family’s stance.
Even as he embraced basketball, Actub’s grandmother questioned how the sport could lead to success in life. “Sinasabihan pa ako ng lola ko na ano ba napala mo dyan sa basketbol. Di naman makakatulong yan satin. Puro ka lang basketball,” said Actub.
Yet, Actub’s determination proved unyielding to familial resistance. Slowly but surely, he climbed up the ranks, trying out for various school varsity teams. During inter-school and inter-barangay tournaments, he helped teams snag championship victories. This earned him the coveted Most Valuable Player award in the process.
His big break finally came in 2017 when he caught the attention of the University of the Visayas in Cebu City. It was during this time that his grandfather expressed a newfound pride in his achievements as a player for the UV Green Lancers.
“Tinawagan ako ng lolo ko, sabi nya proud sila sa akin,” said Actub. This affirmation that he longed for so long became the catalyst for him to soar higher in his chosen career. He was subsequently recruited by the touring basketball team, Mavs Phenomenal Basketball.
Playing with the team saw his meteoric rise, fueled by his viral-worthy in-game dunks he has been showcasing during their nationwide “dayo” games.
The resounding “oohs” and “aahs” over his dunks eventually led him to the Imus SV Squad in the MPBL, where his ascent continues.
His journey, he believes, stands as a testament that nothing is impossible when hard work is combined with grit and determination. “Tuloy lang ang mga pangarap nyo. Wag kalimutan saan kayo galing. Magsipag ka lang, maabot mo din pangarap mo,” said Actub.
But he readily acknowledges that the unwavering support of one’s family helps smoothen the path to success.
