The late Avelino “Samboy” Lim could be considered as one of the greatest players to never win a Most Valuable Player award due to the injuries that he sustained throughout the course of his Philippine Basketball Association career.
But over the last nine years when “The Skywalker” had been bedridden, there was one true MVP in the family.
His ex-wife, Atty. Darlene Berberabe, former president and chief executive officer of Pag-IBIG Fund, proved in the truest sense of the word what pag-ibig is all about.
In nine years when Lim was battling for his life, it was Atty. Darlene, who had been taking care of Samboy.
Even when they have gone separate ways, Atty. Darlene, now the Dean of University of the Philippines’ College of Law, had stayed connected with Samboy for Jamie, who is now a multiple-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, and made sure they will do their responsibilities as parents.
“We made it appear as if everything is normal for Jamie,” said Atty. Darlene during her speech at the wake of the PBA legend, who passed away at the age of 61 last 23 December.
Jamie grew up idolizing her dad. Although she wasn’t able to see him play, she was able to watch some of the clips online.
But Jamie didn’t only excel in the sport she had chosen. She was also an outstanding student.
“She was summa cum laude at UP Diliman and now she’s finished her Master’s Degree at the Imperial College Business School in London,” Atty. Darlene said.
“People thought that she got the brains from me and Samboy gifted her with beauty and athleticism. But Samboy, himself, was a bright student and he belonged to the cream of the crop in high school.”
For Jamie, the determination to succeed may have been fueled by his dad, who is known for his no-quit attitude during his playing days.
“Growing up, I was just an average person competing in karate and there were so many rejections. But probably, one of the great qualities I’ve learned from my dad was perseverance. So I worked harder, trained harder to be the best that I can be,” Jamie said.
Throughout his career, Samboy had gone through a series of injuries. Although his playing career was cut short, he still rose against adversities, making him loved and adored by basketball fans.
Samboy never won an MVP, but he was definitely an MVP to his family — and an inspiration to many.
As for Atty. Darlene, the past nine years of trying to survive Samboy — the love of his youth — was truly remarkable. With that, she also deserves an MVP award.
Rest in peace, Samboy. May you take your game up to the skies.
