A father’s love: Dad supports Bulacan tennis bet all the way

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Wherever, whenever. 

Among the hundreds of people cheering for them, athletes long for the screams and support of their families, wishing they were there to watch them play. 

For Chris Justine Prulla, that has never been a problem. Ever since he held a racket, his dad has been ever-present and has not missed a single game in his six-year tennis career. 

“Kailangan at importante talaga ang suporta ng mga magulang (Parental support is needed and is very important),” shared Justine’s father, Onofre Prulla.” Kahit mahirap lang kami, ginagawa ko ang lahat para maramdaman ng anak ko na sinusuportahan ko siya (Even if we are poor, I do everything to make my son feel that I support him).”

Prulla’s 44-year-old father had his own dreams of playing tennis. Today, he is like a doctor on call — ready to go against all odds to show he supports his son in his own dreams, wherever, whenever. 

‘It is worth it’

Onofre started coaching tennis when his son first joined the Palaro back in 2010. When Justine graduated, he also gave up his pursuit of becoming a well-known tennis coach. He said he enjoys tennis because it is less physical than basketball, a sport Justine wanted to pursue.

“Noong grumaduate ‘yung anak ko, tumigil na rin ako sa pag-coach sa elementary at hindi na ako nag-coach ulit (When my son graduated, I also stopped coaching elementary and didn’t return to it),” said Onofre. “Gusto kong mag-focus sa anak ko kaya tumigil ako (I wanted to focus on my son so I stopped coaching others).”

As a public school teacher, Onofre doesn’t have all the time in his hands. If he were to choose between his job and going to Justine’s tournament however, there is no question as to who the father will prioritize. 

“Naubos na nga yung credits ko kakaabsent sa school namin (I have actually used up all my service credits because I have to excuse myself from work a lot of times),” Onofre said, smiling. “Pero mas importante pa rin talaga na nasa tabi niya ako lagi, mas importante siya [Justine] (But being with my son is more important).”

And of course, he would not miss Justine compete in the biggest sporting event in the country, even if he had to pay for his own fare and accommodation. 

“Yung mga bata, sagot naman ng region namin (The region pays for the expenses of our student-athletes),” quipped the father, who is from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. “Pero yung gastos ko, hindi. Talagang pinagiipunan ko lang (But I have to pay for my own expenses. I really saved money for this).”

Onofre believes the support of parents is crucial, and plays an important role on how athletes perform. Justine is an older brother to a 7-year-old sister. She too is being groomed to play tennis. His mother is a housewife.

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“Hindi lang physical preparedness ang kailangan ng mga bata, mental at emotional rin (You do not prepare them just physically. You also need to equip them with mental and emotional toughness),” he added. “Kailangan, ang mga magulang, lagi nilang nasa tabi ng mga bata (Parents need to always be by their children’s side).”

Despite the sacrifices Onofre has made, considering they aren’t well off, he has only one thing to say, “Lahat ng pagod at hirap, it is all worth it. (All the hard work is worth it).” 

Returning the favor

“Sobrang masarap sa pakiramdam na lagi siya [Onofre] nandiyan para sa akin (It feels really good that he’s always there for me),” said the younger Prulla. “Kaya naman gusto ko rin ibalik lahat ng pagod sa tatay ko (That’s why I want to return the favor by working hard).”

Justine, at 14 years old, has already begun building dreams for his career and father as well. He currently ranks 10th in the Philippine Tennis Association and is Region III’s pride. 

However, in his three years in Palaro, he hasn’t been able to bring home any medals but is hopeful this edition of the games, he will take home the gold. 

“Mas may experience na ako ngayon kaya mas kaya ko na (I now have the experience and I know I can do it),” shared Justine. “Lahat ng laban ko, dinidedicate ko kay papa [Onofre], siya ang naging inspirasyon ko. (I dedicate all of my games to my father. He is my inspiration).”

Whether he wins or loses, Justine is assured of his father’s love — one that will overcome all hindrances just to offer him support and inspiration.

And in Onofre’s words, that is irrevocable. – Rappler.com