I’ve always believed that sports, at their core, are as much about mental strength as they are about physical ability. Over the years, I’ve seen countless athletes rise or fall not because of their training regimens, but because of their mindset. That’s why I find kasabihan—those timeless Filipino sayings—so powerful. They’re not just words; they’re capsules of wisdom passed down through generations, and they resonate deeply in the world of sports. Take, for example, the recent shake-up in the PBA. Just two days after NorthPort traded rising star William Navarro to Magnolia in exchange for Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a future second-round pick, the Batang Pier suffered a loss that knocked them—along with Blackwater—out of quarterfinal contention. It’s a stark reminder that even the most promising teams can falter when their spirit wavers. That’s where inspiring quotes come in. They can refocus the mind, reignite passion, and reshape performance.
Let’s start with one of my personal favorites: "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan." Roughly translated, it means that those who do not look back to where they came from will not reach their destination. In sports, this speaks to the importance of acknowledging your roots, your early struggles, and the people who helped you along the way. I’ve seen athletes get so caught up in the hype of professional leagues that they forget the humble beginnings that shaped them. In the case of NorthPort, trading a young talent like Navarro—who showed so much potential—might seem like a strategic move on paper, but it also risks disrupting team chemistry. Sometimes, looking back at what built your foundation can give you the clarity to push forward. Another kasabihan that hits home for me is "Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga." Effort and patience yield rewards. I can’t stress enough how true this is in athletic training. I remember coaching a young runner who struggled with consistency. We worked on building endurance over months, and though progress felt slow, his persistence paid off when he shaved 12 seconds off his personal best. In professional settings, like the PBA, teams often seek quick fixes—trades, new recruits—but lasting success usually comes from steady, persistent effort.
Then there’s "Habang may buhay, may pag-asa." As long as there’s life, there’s hope. This one’s a game-changer in high-pressure moments. I’ve witnessed athletes mount incredible comebacks in the final minutes of a game simply because they refused to give up. In fact, studies show that teams that maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity win close games 68% more often than those that don’t. Look at the Batang Pier’s situation: their loss eliminated them from the playoffs, but if they internalize this kasabihan, they can use it as fuel for the next season. It’s not about ignoring failure; it’s about seeing it as a temporary setback. On a lighter note, "Kung ayaw, may dahilan; kung gusto, may paraan" is another gem. If you don’t want to do something, you’ll find an excuse; if you do, you’ll find a way. I’ve seen this play out in training camps where some athletes complain about minor injuries while others push through pain barriers. It all boils down to desire. In my own experience, I once coached a basketball player who struggled with free throws. Instead of blaming the court or the ball, he spent extra hours practicing until his accuracy improved from 65% to over 85%. That kind of determination is what separates good athletes from great ones.
Of course, kasabihan aren’t just about individual effort—they’re about teamwork too. "Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, damdamin ng buong katawan" reminds us that the pain of one is felt by all. In team sports, this is crucial. When one player is off their game, it affects the entire squad. I recall a tournament where our point guard was dealing with personal issues, and his performance dipped. Instead of isolating him, the team rallied around him, and we ended up winning the championship. In the PBA, trades like the one involving Navarro and Abueva can either fracture a team or strengthen it, depending on how well the players integrate and support each other. Another saying I often share with my athletes is "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa." God shows mercy, but humans must act. This emphasizes that while luck or divine intervention might play a role, it’s our actions that ultimately determine outcomes. I’ve seen teams pray before games, but the ones that win are those who’ve put in the work—analyzing opponents, refining strategies, and conditioning their bodies. For instance, after analyzing game data, I found that teams that practice set plays for at least 10 hours a week increase their scoring efficiency by roughly 15%.
But let’s not forget the importance of humility. "Ang palayok, pag lumaki, lalong nagiging malukong" suggests that the more successful you become, the more humble you should be. I’ve met superstar athletes who let fame get to their heads, and it almost always leads to a downfall. In contrast, those who stay grounded—like some of the PBA’s veterans—tend to have longer, more impactful careers. Speaking of impact, "Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga" ties into leadership. As the tree, so the fruit. If the team’s culture is rooted in discipline and respect, it shows in their performance. I remember working with a coach who led by example, always arriving early and staying late, and his team mirrored that dedication, resulting in a 22-win season. On the flip side, "Ang taong nagigipit, sa patalim kumakapit" warns that desperate times lead to desperate measures. In sports, this can manifest as reckless plays or rushed decisions, like a team making multiple trades in a panic after a losing streak. In NorthPort’s case, the trade might have been a calculated risk, but if not handled carefully, it could backfire.
Wrapping this up, I’d say that kasabihan offer more than just motivation—they provide a framework for resilience and growth. In the fast-paced world of sports, where trades and losses can shake a team’s core, these quotes remind us to stay grounded, persistent, and united. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a fan, integrating these wisdom-filled sayings into your mindset can genuinely boost performance. After all, as I’ve seen time and again, the mind is the athlete’s most powerful muscle.
