For TNT's Poy Erram, title run sweeter this time around

The word tough is not enough to describe what Poy Erram has gone through in the recent months.

He has been at the center of controversies as TNT was gunning for the PBA Commissioner's Cup title, while also undergoing challenges in his personal life. However, that did not stop him from still contributing in the Tropang Giga's title run.

"It's a blessing, lalo na hindi naman madali, alam n'yo naman, sa series namin sa Ginebra. Sobrang hirap 'di ba?" a jubilant Erram told reporters after their Game 7 overtime win against Barangay Ginebra.

"Sobrang sweet lang, especially for me, alam n'yo naman nangyari sa akin, alam n'yo naman pinagdaanan ko."

[It's a blessing, especially because it's not easy, you know this, the series against Ginebra. It's so tough... This is so sweet, especially for me, you know what happened to me, what I've went through.]

En route to the title, Erram had in-game conflicts with his teammate Glenn Khobuntin and head coach Chot Reyes and admitted to being in a difficult place as he experienced the loss of a loved one.

However, instead of being distracted, Erram turned to the people who trusted him and his talent.

"With Him, nothing is impossible. Magtiwala ka lang sa Kanya, magtiwala ka lang sa mga taong naniniwala sa'yo. Doon ako bumabalik. Aside sa nagse-seek ako ng help, 'di ko kinalimutan 'yung mga tao around me kasi alam ko sila ang unang tutulong para sa akin," said Erram.

"Itong panalong ito, para ito sa kanila, hindi ito para sa akin."

[With Him, nothing is impossible. Trust in Him, trust in the people who believe in you. That's where I come back. Aside from seeking help, I did not forget the people around me because I know they will be the frist to help me... This win, this is for them, it's not for me.]

Among those who helped Erram in his recent rough patch are Ervin Sotto and Calvin Abueva.

"Sila 'yung mga out of nowhere na tumulong, kumausap sa akin. Out of nowhere lang. Si Calvin, ang laki ng tulong sa akin, kahapon nag-usap kami. Nagkita kami sa mall. Ang advice niya sa akin, parang pareho kami ng nangyayari eh, pero sabi niya, focus ka lang sa laro, alam mo kung gaano ka kagaling. Kay Kuya Ervin, ang laking tulong sa akin."

[They were the ones who, out of nowhere, came to help, spoke with me. Just out of nowhere. Calvin, he helped me a lot, we spoke yesterday. We met at a mall. His advice to me, we had similar things happen, but he said, focus on the game, you know how good you are. Kuya Ervin, he helped me a lot also.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News