Around GMA

Article Inside Page

The local basketball scene is not short of second-generation players who are as talented as their fathers.

Some names that instantly come to mind are Kiefer and Thirdy, the sons of former PBA high-flyer Bong Ravena.

Of course, there's Andre and Kobe, sons of two-time PBA MVP and four-time champion Benjie Paras.

Following this same path is Ry Aijer De La Rosa from the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers.

The Heavy Bombers is one of the competing squads expected to make an impact in Season 96 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Photo by: rydelarosa11 (IG)

For those who don't know, the 22-year-old guard is the son of former PBA defensive specialist Romy De La Rosa, who played ten seasons as a pro for Shell, Sta. Lucia, and the Negros Slashers in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).

Ry's basketball pedigree didn't stop there as his eldest brother, Rome De La Rosa, is currently playing for the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA.

Furthermore, his uncle, Ruben De La Rosa, also played in the PBA and MBA.

His mother, on the other hand, used to do gymnastics and swimming, while his sister played basketball as well.

Ry acknowledged the pressure of having to live up to the De La Rosa name. But he slowly got over it and would rather let his game do the talking.

Growing up in the States

Ry grew up in San Diego, California in the USA. He returned home to the Philippines in 2013 to pursue his dream of playing in the amateur leagues and hopefully the PBA someday.

“I came here in high-school and was able to transition from high-school [US] there to high-school here, which allowed me to build confidence in my Tagalog. Because back home I don't really speak that much or as well.”

He continued, “Moving out of the US and moving here in the Philippines to pursue my dreams and goals in life is a defining moment in my life.”

Photo by: Angela Davocol

The third-year BSBA Marketing student though often misses his family.

He makes it a point to call them regularly just to give him added boost of motivation before entering the court.

“My pre and post-game rituals would be calling my parents in San Diego. I make sure to call them before after the game, just to get to talk to them,” he said.

“I also make sure I pray before and after the game.”

Cut for show business?

Outside the court, Ry is just like any regular student. He loves to play video games and does a bit of cooking in his spare time.

Ry is a big fan of the Japanese manga series, Naruto.

Many kids of past PBA players have dabbled into show business on the side. Would he be willing to act in front of the camera should there be a chance?

“Yes, I'd be very okay with that idea,” he beamed.

”It would be nice to try something new.”

Photo by: rydelarosa11 (IG)

He prefers to appear in an action-comedy film or TV series.

“I grew up watching a lot of these types of movies. For me, the combination of action and comedy makes for a really great movie.

“There's nothing like the excitement you get from the fight scenes, the stunts, and the explosions while getting a good laugh in at the same time.”

Is there a particular Kapuso actress he would like to work with?

“Gabbi Garcia,” he instantly replied.

“She's an all-around talent and she's also very pretty.”

Watch Ry and his teammates help the JRU Heavy Bombers in their campaign for Season 96 of the NCAA. The country's premier athletic league will soon be seen via GMA News TV and other Kapuso channels including GMA Pinoy TV for viewers living abroad.