Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan dies after collapsing during practice

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Gilbert Bulawan, a forward for the Blackwater Elite in the PBA, died unexpectedly after collapsing during practice, team owner Dioceldo Sy confirmed Sunday, July 3. Bulawan was only 29.

According to Sy, the 6-foot-5 Legazpi, Albay native collapsed right in front of him during practice Sunday and they promptly brought the player to the hospital 10 minutes away.

“Nakayakap kay (He was hugging) Reil Cervantes and fell on the floor. I looked at him, his eyeballs were white and unconscious. Instantly I got scared agad (right away),” Sy told Rappler in a text message.

Sy confirmed Bulawan was dead on arrival at the hospital with the cause of death being “massive cardiac arrest.”

“We had team prayer for Gilbert and we all went to the hospital,” he said. “The team was in shock. He even answered me in Facebook 7 hours ago. The team was emotional.”

Bulawan is survived by his wife. 

“We took care of his hospital (bill) and we [will] wait for his wife’s plan. We will help for sure. Inaanak ko sa kasal, good boy siya (He’s my godson, he’s a good boy),” Sy added.

“I’m sad. Naiiyak nga ako kanina (I was tearful earlier). I always told him mag-tino ka, maayos asawa mo (be good, you have a good wife). And I always call him Robin Padilla, and he will say Robin Patilla.“

PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa also expressed sadness over the news.

“We are very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our beloved players and a member of our PBA family, Gilbert Bulawan,” he said in a statement. “On behalf of the PBA I would like to extend our deepeset sympathies to his family and I would like to request everyone to pray for his eternal and peaceful rest.”

The PBA will extend financial assistance to Bulawan’s family, according to league media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

Bulawan was drafted in the second round of the 2011 draft and played for the Meralco Bolts and the Barako Bull Energy before finding his way to expansion team Blackwater.

He averaged 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds during his PBA career. He leaves behind a wife.

PBA players expressed shock and grief over the sudden death of the former San Sebastian Stag on Twitter.

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

Sad news today. Condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan. Rest in peace

— Jeffrei (@jeffreichan) 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

Just heard the tragic news. Praying for Gilbert Bulawan and his family.

— Josh Reyes (@josh_reyes) July 3, 2016

Deepest condolences to the family of Gilbert Bulawan!#RIPGilbertBulawan

— Chris Newsome (@New11New) July 3, 2016

Oh my… During practice pa! Rip Gilbert Bulawan! What sad news!

— Doug Kramer (@DougKramer44) July 3, 2016

Man I’m very very saddened to hear about Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers for his wife and family.

— Kel Williams (@KelWilliams21) July 3, 2016

– with reports from Naveen Ganglani/Rappler.com