The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) family was left grieving following the untimely demise of Blackwater big man Gilbert Bulawan.
He was 29 years old.
Bulawan collapsed during a team practice on Sunday at SGS Gym in Quezon City. He was immediately rushed to Capitol Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.
Initial reports reveal that he suffered a heart attack.
"Yes, he’s gone na," Blackwater Elite team owner Dioceldo Sy confirmed the news via text message.
Sy recounts, "It was so sad. Nag-collapse sya sa ensayo and we were there. I’m going to miss our jokes and his mano. He always calls me 'boss ninong' because he’s my inaanak pa naman sa kasal."
The former 2011 draft pick out of San Sebastian Stags averaged 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds last conference for Blackwater.
Before playing for Blackwater, he also wore the jersey colors of Meralco and Barako Bull (now Phoenix).
PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa released an official statemetnt expressing condolences to Bulawan's family and asked for prayers.
"We are very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our beloved players and a member of our PBA family, Gilbert Bulawan. On behalf of the PBA, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and I would like to request everyone to pray for his eternal and peaceful rest," the statement read.
Calvin Abueva, a fellow San Sebastian Stag, was just as shocked as everybody else, knowing that Bulawan is always in his excellent physical shape.
"Oo nga eh, nagulat din ako. Nag-iisip ako ano ang nangyari sa kanya," said Abueva when reached just a few minutes after reports of Bulawan’s death came out.
Abueva was a teammate of Bulawan with the last San Sebastian team that won the NCAA men’s basketball championship in 2009. 'The Beast' was in his rookie season that year and served as the Stags' sixth man behind starters Jimbo Aquino, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual, Pamboy Raymundo, and Bulawan.
Like Abueva, the rest of the PBA community also expressed sympathy to the family and loved ones of the late 6-foot-5 Bulawan.
Shocked to hear about Gilbert Bulawan. So young. So soon. Prayers for his family.🙏— Richard del Rosario (@charddelrosario) July 3, 2016
Sad day pls pray for Gilbert Bulawan family.To Gilbert thank u for always being so respectful everytime we go against each other #RIPbulawan— Mark Caguioa (@officialMC47) July 3, 2016
My condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan. Had spent a short period with him at Barako always smiling. Deepest sympathies to his fam!!— Dawg4GlobalPort™ (@4TheRealDawg) July 3, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to Gilbert Bulawan and his loved ones. May your soul rest in peace.— Harvey Carey II (@ManilaBlack4) July 3, 2016
Deepest condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan!#RIPGilbertBulawan— Chris Newsome (@New11New) July 3, 2016
Condolences to the Family of Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers sent to his loved ones. Rest in Peace Gilbert! 🙏🏻— Kevin Louie Alas (@kevinlouiealas) July 3, 2016
Sad news today. Condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan. Rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏— Jeffrei (@jeffreichan) July 3, 2016
Heart is heavy hearing the news of Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers go out to his family and loved ones. #RIP— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) July 3, 2016
Source: PBA SPIN
Image: ABS-CBN
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