The Katropa guard met with Padilla last Wednesday, November 14, with Romeo confessing that he had been a fan of the actor “since high school.” The former University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player (MVP) reports in Filipino, “I watched all of Sir Robin’s films. I didn’t let myself miss any,” even reciting lines from Padilla’s old movies. More importantly, he shares his intent in “giving back,” stating, “I am so blessed so I want to share that and help others.”
In response, Robin Padilla told Romeo that he was a fan as well, intently following the basketball player’s journey during the FIBA World Cup, even specifying that he admired Romeo standing up for the Filipinos during the infamous Philippine-Australian brawl. He then expresses his gratitude to Romeo for being “the first basketball player to support [his cause].”
To end their meeting, Padilla even invites Romeo to come with him to Marawi in due time to see the positive effects of his donation to the rehabilitation project. Romeo responds, “Any time, I would make myself available. I hope the other basketball players will also help Marawi.”
Padilla’s Marawi rehabilitation project aims to provide an improved lifestyle to the citizens of the province who were under the Maute siege for five months last year.