Meet these basketball superstars who transitioned from the court to the limelight of showbusiness.
The Big J or Robert “Jawo” Jaworksi, to his legion of fans, is a legend in Philippine basketball history. The University of the East graduate played for different teams namely YCO Painters, Meralco Reddy Kilowatts, Toyota, and Ginebra San Miguel.
This PBA Hall of Famer is the current coach of the MAPUA Cardinalsof the NCAA.
When Student Canteen aired again in 1989, Atoy Co was included as a host. The noontime show was in direct competition with TVJ’s Eat Bulaga. Atoy was also casted in several movies and teleseryes like “Tatlo Silang Tatay Ko,” “Chinatown 2: The Vigilantes,” “Yes Darling: Walang Matigas na Pulis 2," "Masahol Pa Sa Hayop," and “Toda Max" among others.
Fortunato "Atoy" Co Jr. became famous when he played for the PBA team Crispa Redmanizers. He earned the nickname, "Fortune Cookie," while playing in the league. Atoy won the MVP award in 1979 and was enshrined in the league' s all-time greats in the year 2000.
Now, the former athlete is still a mainstay of the longest-running noontime show "Eat Bulaga!" and also stars in "Vampire Ang Daddy Ko" as the father of Ryzza Mae Dizon's character named, Small Saturay.
Jimmy successfully crossed over to the entertainment industry as a comedian. He also appeared in several movies and played a starring role in the 1989 movie "Bondying: The Little Big Boy'ger." He was also casted in several iconic sitcoms like "Iskul Bukol" and "Oki Doki Doc."
Who would have thought that Dabarkads Jimmy Santos suited up for the PBA during its inaugural season in 1975? He played for the team 7-Up Uncolas and was known for his funny antics on the court.
Balingit found his niche in the entertainment industry by doing comedy roles in movies. He starred in films like "Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-Kitong,” “Isprikitik: Walastik Kung Pumitik,” and the comedy/horror film, “Pasaway Na Multo.”
Bonel Balingit's towering height but gentle demeanor earned him the monicker, "The Gentle Giant." He stands 6’9" and played for Swift Mighty Meaty Hotdogs, Sunkist Orange Juicers, and Pop Cola Panthers.
Gayoso is among the PBA players who ventured into acting. He landed a part in the 90’s movie of Maricel Soriano and Christopher de Leon entitled, "Vampira."
Jayvee Gayoso played for Tanduay in the PBA. Jayvee was involved in a controversy in 2001 when he testified that Tanduay violated the league salary cap rule. According to news reports, he voluntary shared information that from 1999-2000, he received two paychecks from his mother team—one is the right amount based on the Uniform Player Contract (UPC) and the other one, a so-called side contract.
Rudy starred in a movie by Viva films entitled "Masikip sa Dibdib" in 2004 with Bubble Gang comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto whom he also dated.
Rudy is a Filipino-American player with a towering height of 6'3". He played for several teams in the PBA like Tanduay Rhum Masters, Pop Cola Panthers, Coca-Cola Tigers, and Barangay Ginebra.
Alvin found time to juggle his career as a professional player and actor. He did several movies like the remake of Robert Jaworski and Nora Aunor’s ‘Dobol Dribol’ and in 1994, did Carlo J. Caparas "Tasya Fantasya" opposite Kris Aquino.
The former Purefoods TJ Hotdogs ace player Alvin Patrimonio, also known as "The Captain," holds the distinction in PBA history of having bagged four MVP awards. He is tied with the legendary basketball player Mon Fernandez.
In an interview, Joey Marquez admitted that getting his marriage annulled in 2004 with wife Alma Moreno was the saddest day of his life. He has four kids with Alma: "Little Nanay" and Kapuso star Wyn, Yeoj, VJ, and MM. He also has another son, actor Jeremy Marquez, who is engaged to "Bubble Gang" star Gwen Zamora.
Joey would be more known later as an actor and politician. He served as Paranaque Mayor from 1995-2004 and did several TV projects and movies. Moreover, Pinoys will forever remember his role in TV programs like "Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita" and "Palibhasa Lalake."
For many, Joey Marquez is among the top comedians in the country. But did you know that he played in the PBA in the 80s as well? He was part of Presto Fun Drinks team which later on was called Great Taste Coffee Makers.
Johnny starred in his very own movie under Regal Films titled, “Go Johnny Go” with Willie Revillame and Rochelle Barrameda in 1997. After his retirement from the PBA, Johnny joined the coaching staff of the PBA team Purefoods Star Hotshots. He is also part of coaching team of the FEU Tamarraws, which steered the school to its 20th UAAP Senior Men’s Basketball title in 2015.
The Flying A or Johnny Abarrientos is a multi-awarded athlete in the PBA. At 5’7, he is the shortest player in history who won the PBA MVP award in 1996 with his team the Alaska Aces.
Jaworski, who is also known as "The Living Legend," is married to Evelyn Bautista, daughter of actor Ramon Revilla. He has four children, all with names starting with ‘R.’ These are Robert Jr. or Dodot, Ryan, Ron Michael, and daughter Ricci Elaine. The PBA legend also ran in the 1998 elections and won a Senate seat.
Robert tried acting as well and he starred opposite the Super star Nora Aunor in the 1979 film "Dobol Dribol." He also did a sitcom “Prrt! Foul” and appeared in an action show called “Manila Files.”
Venancio Johnson Paras, Jr.or more popularly known as Benjie Paras played in the PBA for Shell Turbo Chargers and San Miguel Beermen. Benjie is a two-time MVP winner and was included in the PBA Hall of Fame in 2013. He holds the distinction of the only PBA player to hold the Rookie of the Year award and Most Valuable Player honors in a single season. During his stint in the PBA, he was called "Tower of Power."
Benjie retired from the professional league in 2003 and has been doing several projects, both in TV and films. He became one of the top comedians in the country and was part of GMA Network sitcom Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita with Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez, and Raymart Santiago. Benjie was also casted in the 1993 movie "Dunkin Donato" with Herbert “Bistek” Bautista.
The basketball superstar-turned-actor was also part of the groundbreaking telefantasya series of ‘Encantadia’ in 2005 as Wahid of the ‘Ascano.’
Benjie is married to Lyxen Diomampo and they have two sons, Sam and Riley. He also had two children from his former celebrity partner, Jackie Forster—Andre and Kobe. Andre Paras is among the top heartthrobs of the Kapuso Network and is currently doing the primetime series, ‘That’s My Amboy.’ Kobe Paras, on the other hand, is pursuing a basketball career in the U.S. and is now part of the collegiate team, UCLA Bruins.