Jay R. Gotera
MANILA — The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) was rocked Sunday night by the sudden death of Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan who collapsed during team practice.
Bulawan was reported to have suffered a massive cardiac arrest at a gym in Quezon City following the arrival of Eric Dawson, the team's import for the upcoming PBA Governors Cup.
Team officials said the Sunday afternoon practice was more like a getting-to-know-you reception for Dawson. It was about to wind down when Bulawan embraced teammate Riel Cervantes in an apparent attempt to break his fall before collapsing on the court.
The team's physical therapist tried to revive him before he was rushed to a nearby hospital where last-ditch efforts to revive him proved futile, sources said.
Team insiders said Bulawan had no known ailment and was among the most physically fit among Blackwater’s players. He was even given the moniker “Mr. Energy.”
Bulawan even told teammate Cervantes shortly before practice that he’d be the one to defend against Dawson in practice.
That is why his sudden demise came as a huge shock to PBA fans, players and team officials.
Bulawan, a 6’5” power forward picked in the second round of the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft, would have turned 30 on Aug. 25. He played for Meralco and Barako before joining Blackwater.
His death is believed to be the first by a player in a PBA team's active roster and the first PBA player to die in practice or an actual game.
Fellow PBA players immediately took to Twitter and other social media sites to express sympathy to Bulawan’s family.
Gabe Norwood, who is preparing for Gilas’ bid in the FIBA Olympic qualifiers, were among the first to send out his condolences.
“Heart is heavy hearing the news of Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers go out to his family and loved ones. #RIP,” the Rain or Shine forward said.
“Sad day pls pray for Gilbert Bulawan family. To Gilbert thank u for always being so respectful everytime we go against each other #RIPbulawan,” tweeted Mark Caguioa.
Jimmy Alapag: “Saddened to hear the news about our PBA brother Gilbert Bulawan. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. #RIP”.
Veteran Eric Menk also expressed his shocked: “Man. I can’t believe this sad news. Enjoy life & loved ones while we can. To the Bulawan family, condolences”
Chris Ross remembered how he and Bulawan started as workout buddies in the amateurs before they joined the PBA.
“My first workout partner when we played for Pharex in the PBL & my teammate again at Meralco! My heart hurts. Great teammate BETTER person!”
“RIP to my former teammate Bradr Gilbert Bulawan. Prayers to his wife Doctora Icy and his family,” wrote Asi Taulava.
Danny Seigle: “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my former teammate Gilbert Bulawan. My most sincere condolences go out to his family. RIP bro.”
