When Filipino-American baller Ray Parks Jr. hit the courts in Japan with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, he brought more than just slam dunks.
In a social media video, Parks showcased his teammates trying their hand at some Pinoy phrases, taking their turns in introducing themselves: “Ako si Takumi,” “Ako si Ackey,” and “Ako si Takuma.” Turns out, he’s been teaching them how to drop some legit Pinoy lines.
Not to be outdone, volleyball sensation Jia Morado-De Guzman, who chose to take her talents to Japan earlier this year to play for the Denso Airybees in the V.League, is also making an impact off the court.
In a video she posted online, she takes on the role of a language coach, teaching her Brazilian teammate Rosamaria Montibelle the ropes of Nihongo, the Japanese language. It showed Rosamaria practicing her Nihongo with Jia correcting a wrong translation.
Beyond their athletic feats, these two are proving that they are not just athletes, but also ambassadors of good vibes and cross-cultural connections.
While their OG mission in Japan is to advance their playing careers, earn fat paychecks, and proudly represent the Philippines, the two athletes might just have stumbled upon unexpected sidelines—making language lessons and cultural exchanges cool in a foreign land.
