Filipin-Oz

Ridge Mantua – Jump Shot To A Dream

August 21st, 2013 · No Comments

Ridge Mantua is a 16 year old who did what most teens of that age would not do.  He chose the difficult road rather than the easy way- to experience and live his dream of playing basketball in the birthplace of his parents in the Philippines.

It’s a known fact that Filipinos breathe and live basketball, or perhaps were born with a ball in their hands.  For someone like Ridge who loved basketball at an early age, the opportunity of playing for a Varsity team in the Philippines was simply too good to refuse.

While holidaying in Cebu last year, the birthplace of his dad and mum – Roger and Cleo Mantua (better known to us all as Cleo Diana), a chance meeting with his Dad’s friend presented an offer to play basketball for the Varsity Team of Ateneo Cebu.  Standing a towering 6 feet tall at only 16 years of age, with layups and 3 point turns the envy of many, he was spotted instantly and courted almost immediately and enticed to rough it up on Philippine hardcourts.

It was a yes for him, but his parents agonized at the thought of releasing him.  “We had to think of all the angles – the climate, maiinit doon; and of course the language,” said his mum, Cleo.  Ridge was born in Australia and studied at Kellyville High School.  So except for the few words he heard from his parents, he did not speak the language, and more so the Cebuano dialect.   “But we knew he really wanted to go,” said Cleo.  And so he packed his bags and was off to Ateneo, Cebu last April. 

Now on his senior year, he joins the Magis Eagles of Ateneo Cebu.  With his height and speed, he plays center and forward for the team.   With the basketball season well underway in the Philippines, Ridge juggles between his heavy school load at Ateneo and the grueling daily basketball practices.  The Ateneo Cebu team are competing in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc (CESAFI).  Always flying high, the Magis Eagles also aim to repeat their performance and defend their crown at the Palarong Pambansa 2013. 

He has learned enough Filipino/Cebuano words to get him by through the day.  More importantly, he has learned the meaning  of sacrifice and discipline for the chance to live his dream. With no mum and dad at his beck and call, he has learned to be independent.  He has learned to budget his allowance,even commutes by public transport and adapt to a culture that’s all vaguely new to him.

Although a rookie to the Magis Eagles team, Mantua comes with an impressive record from Sydney:  Most Valuable Player (MVP)  for the U18 Juniors for the Amigos Mechanic Team in the Western Sydney Basketball Community Summer Tournament;  was voted MVP for U18, Division 2 for Hills Hornets in the Basketball NSW Metro Junior League in 2009 and 2012; Sports Achievement Award from Kellyville High School for 2010-2012.

He has played in most Sydney major leagues including: Basketball NSW Metro Junior League, Sydney West School Sports Association – CHS Knockout, Macquarie Zone, and the PSSA Basketball Tournament.

Surprisingly, but not really all that surprising considering his mum Cleo’s genes, when he’s not on his dribbling beat, Ridge enjoys  music., dancing, playing the piano and guitar.  He also has knack for composing songs, produces short films and loves playing deejay.  For sports alternatives, he enjoys a serve of a game of tennis, as well as athletics and swimming.

 He’s all ready with his jump shots, three point turns, layups, rebounds and he’s all geared to go to make a name for himself in basketball and to one day be part of the PBA games.  Inspired by God, his family and no less, the legend that is Magic Johnson, Ridge Mantua knows that for every trickle of perspiration, he’s a step closer to his dream.

 

Tags: Features