Basketball is more than just a sport in the Philippines—it’s a way of life. From children to adults, it has become an integral part of Filipino culture. Almost everyone knows how to play it, and even those who don’t play actively are passionate about following national and international tournaments. Whether in barangay leagues, city competitions, or casual street games, basketball is undeniably the number one hobby of Filipino men, regardless of social status. If you're a man in the Philippines, it seems almost impossible not to know how to play basketball.

But what if you were the exception?

Growing up, I never developed an interest in basketball, nor did I ever learn how to play it. This was surprising to many since I was surrounded by family members and relatives who were skilled players, including my younger brother, who was well-known in our community for his talent. Despite being tall—an apparent advantage in basketball—people often wondered why I never got into the sport.

When I was young, I spent my school vacations in Laguna, where basketball leagues were a major event. Every afternoon until late at night, I would watch our barangay’s games, cheering for my cousins and uncles who played. Despite my constant presence as a spectator, I never felt the urge to join in. I never imagined myself as a player.

Growing up in Quezon City, my environment also played a role. Our home was next to a national highway, making it unsafe for us to go out and play freely. Unlike kids in subdivisions or close-knit communities, I was confined to our compound, limiting my opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, including basketball.

Even in elementary school, I didn’t have much exposure to basketball. Our school lacked a basketball court, so the sport was never included in our PE curriculum. My only physical activities were dancing during school events and playing traditional street games with my classmates. An unfortunate accident when I was 10 further distanced me from physical sports—I broke my left arm after a bad fall while playing tag. The injury scared me so much that I avoided any activity that involved physical interaction, including basketball.

In high school, basketball became even more common. We finally had a court on campus, and my male classmates played the sport whenever they had free time—even inside the classroom, using trash cans as makeshift hoops. Our PE lessons also covered basketball, which meant I had to participate. However, my first real attempt at shooting the ball resulted in laughter from my classmates—not because I missed, but because of my awkward shooting posture. The embarrassment was overwhelming, and from then on, I avoided basketball activities altogether.

When we moved and lived in Laguna, hoping to escape the sport, I transferred to a Catholic school for the remainder of high school. However, basketball was even more popular there. During a vacant period, my classmates convinced me to join a casual shooting game, insisting it was just for fun. Nervously, I took my shot, only to hear laughter and remarks that made me feel even more out of place. A kind classmate reassured me that everyone has different interests, but the damage was done—I distanced myself from basketball even more.

College gave me the chance to fully detach from basketball. I chose a different sport for my Team Sports subject and found friends who were more into video games than basketball. Finally, I thought I was free from the pressures of playing.

But life has a way of bringing me back to it.

Even in the workplace, basketball remains an inescapable part of social life. Many companies hold sports events where basketball is the highlight, and my coworkers often bonded over playing on their rest days. Whenever they invited me, I had to explain that I didn’t play, only to be met with disbelief and remarks about how my height was being wasted. Some even commented that life without basketball seemed boring.

Recently, I found myself questioning my choices. If I had learned basketball as a child, I wouldn’t have to deal with the constant avoidance and awkward rejections. Perhaps I would have gained more confidence, stayed fit, and even earned admiration for my height and skills. Seeing my office colleagues form friendships over their shared love for the game made me wonder—did I miss out on something important?

But at this point, is it too late for me to learn?

While I have long accepted that basketball isn’t for me, a small part of me still wonders: what if I gave it a shot? Maybe it’s not too late to learn. Maybe I can still experience what I’ve been avoiding for so long. Who knows? Life is full of surprises, and perhaps one day, I’ll finally step onto the court—not as a spectator, but as a player.