UP Fighting Maroon Paul Desiderio shares his story in MMK episode

FILE: “Last few games, gotta make every second count #RideOrDie #16Strong.” (Photo: @pauldesiderio18/Instagram)

Soon after leading his team into the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) finals after 32 years and getting drafted in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroon Paul Desiderio makes headlines as he shares his success story through an episode of ABS-CBN’s Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), which was aired last Saturday, January 19.

The Cebuano Desiderio, portrayed by actor Ronnie Alonte, shows his struggle from being a poor boy from the province into being an iconic athlete in the university sports community. The episode exposes his humble hometown and how he persevered for a college scholarship to help his parents out of poverty. Desiderio initially doubted accepting the offer from the UP Fighting Maroons as the team was known for their struggle, but words from Desiderio’s father encouraged him of his capabilities to make a change. Within their run in the league’s season 81 championship, Desiderio encourages his team with the saying ‘atin ‘to (this is ours)’ to stray away from discouragement of losing, which then became the school’s famous chant.

Despite not winning the top title, the episode ends on a high note, as the guard was drafted by NLEX into the 44th season of the PBA, then signed into Blackwater Elite

Twenty-two year-old Alonte was chosen to play Desiderio as he is known to be a basketball enthusiast as well.

The episode, which used the hashtag #MMKMrAtinTo trended on social media, one user saying, “He might not have been a pilot to be a captain of a flight, but he turned out to be a great basketball player and be the captain of UP fight. I see no difference. He soared high, Paul Desiderio will continue to reach the skies.”

Another fan inserted, “Tonight’s story’s very close to my heart. I’d never lose respect for athletes like Paul D. because the kind of discipline they have is exemplary. They’re the ones who know the real meaning of sacrifice. Definitely, the essentials of a successful life.”

Other notable Cebuano athletes who been featured on the iconic show previously include Marathon runner Queen Mary Joy Tabal and skateboarder Margielyn Didal.