Rhenz Abando of Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League during an East Asia Super League (EASL) media session at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
MANILA, Philippines—Back at home, Rhenz Abando kept it real about his life playing basketball overseas and said it hasn’t been easy.
While the money and fame are undoubtedly there for the young Filipino import of Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), Abando said that living alone in South Korea made him realize how hard life is for an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).
“It’s really nice being there but I want to share the feeling of OFWs I’ve seen there. For people here, if they have parents or relatives who are OFWs, I hope they don’t abuse them because I now know the struggle,” said Abando in Filipino on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
“I stayed in Korea and I know it’s been fun but that isn’t always the case. It’s so hard, what the OFWs are going through so I hope they get taken care of.”
Abando explains how it’s like playing overseas as an OFW and his relationship with his mother, who also worked abroad. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Xa7dSSaeJQ
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) January 23, 2024
Two years ago, Abando decided to forgo his remaining year with Letran to suit up as an import for Anyang in the KBL.
Since then, Abando has been handling life alone and on foreign land.
Though, living without his mother isn’t entirely something new for the high-flying swingman.
After all, Abando’s mom had been working overseas while he was still young. Being in the same shoes as his mother now, the Abando found out the hardships of working away from home.
Rhenz Abando.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“I felt it more and I appreciated her more because she’s an OFW because now I know the feeling of being in another country. I always say, if I can earn as much here in the Philippines, I’ll choose to stay but I know the opportunity to grow is there.”
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“Of course, I know I can grow here but I know that there are more challenges in other countries and I like to be challenged more because that’s where I can grow.”
Abando is in town with his team Anyang set to play an away game against TNT in the East Asia Super League (EASL) on Wedneday. Abando, however, won’t be able to play due to a spinal injury he sustained last month during a game in the KBL.