Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

At the age of 20, he already has a gold SEA Games medal, and two UAAP MVP crown on his belt. He is also a record holder, being the first Rookie MVP of the UAAP averaging 20.07 per game last UAAP 75. Not to mention his countless awards in different minor/major leagues here and abroad. His name is Bobby Ray Parks Jr. The son of the late Bobby Parks, the Seven-time Best Import of the PBA. 

I took this pic 2 years ago at a volleyball game

In UAAP Season 74, he bags the Most Valuable Player award with 20.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals. Then a 20.07 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.0 apg, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks last UAAP 75. WOW! What a statline all coming from a college sophomore. Monster numbers indeed!

Credits to sir Al Q.

A lot of people would say because it runs through his veins. Or as simple as the old saying "Like Father, Like Son." I would agree. It may really be like that. But believe me if I say it is more than just like that.

I admit.  I never know him "that" well. But allow me to describe this guy in the best and most honest way that I could.

Ray during our Christmas Outreach Program 2012

I'll claim it! I will include myself as one of those "lucky people" who have known Ray-Ray in school for quite some time now.

After I hosted the NU Pep Rally 2011

I actually really never thought that HE IS THE BOBBY RAY PARKS JR until he suits up for the Bulldogs during the UAAP season 74. What a funny thought right? I remember while he is still serving his residency, I would pass by him as he sits along the hallway with his headphones while waiting for his class. He is quiet, simple and a lil bit reserved. 

Captured this 3 years ago, with Cocoy Hermosisima

I have a very funny first encounter with him. I need to get an interview with him after his debut game in the UAAP. I give my best talking to him in English. At that time I honestly admit that I am still having a hard time conversing using the language. But I need to, thinking that He doesn't understands Tagalog. Yet to my surprise, after the interview, as I am waiting for the elevator, I hear a familiar voice saying "ta, pakiabot naman yung towel ko." I turn my head and look, I am really surprise who I see. Its HIM! Bobby Ray Parks Jr is talking in Filipino!! I am like wtf is wrong with him! He sees me as I stare at him with my eyes a bit opened and he starts laughing.

From there our friendship started. As I become part of the team (officially) later on. I get a chance to know him more.

After the Christmas Outreach Program 2012

I have three words to describe him. BELIEVER. DREAMER. FIGHTER.

Ray is a Believer. 

He is a Believer of Christ, in heart, in mind and in deed. People may raise their eyebrows by now. He is attending the service of Victory Christian Fellowship. I know that not all church goers are "real" (and you know what I mean real) Christian. But He really is. I can't forget him in one of our games last season 75. The team just had a paniful loss against the UST growling Tigers. Inside the dugout, everyone is just really quiet. But you could sense their pain. Then coach started to speak words of encouragement. Followed by some older players. Then Ray speaks out, the line that I most remember goes like this "let's stop playing for ourselves now and start playing for God."

During our Tagaytay Team Building 2012

Ray is a Dreamer.

With his achievements, he didn't stop dreaming for more. With his skills, he didn't stop practicing to get better.  He is an achiever yet stays his feet on the ground. He always count his teammates with every success. He would always dream not only for the good of himself but rather dream for the good of all the people that he loves. I remember in one of our random conversations, he tells me that he is willing to trade all His MVP'S for a Championship Title for his team. He say it not in front of a camera, not in an interview. He say it in a friend-to-friend conversation. He also dreams to be in the NBA, not just because of himself, not because of fame, but he wanted to be there (NBA) to bring into reality what his late father had dreamed for him.

From Ray's IG Account.

Ray is a Fighter.

If you know the "what's happening" to him for the past two years you would understand what I mean. In Jan of 2012, his girlfriend, Maan Panganiban who also happens to be a good friend of mine passed away after her 3-month battle with Lymphoma. 

From Sir Roy Afable

After a year and two months, Ray again is in deep pain. When his father, the great Bobby Parks joined Maan and our Creator in heaven, March 30, 2013. 

From Ray's FB Account. To the owner. Allow me to use this please. Many thanks.

I think I don't need to elaborate more how ray is after that two big losses, especially after losing his bestfriend, his mentor, his coach and his beloved father. 

But Ray, after that two happenings in his life has become the face of true bravery. Of true courage. and Of true faith. 

From Ray's FB Account. Photo by Sir Paul Ryan Tan

At the moment, Ray is continuing his life. Carrying all the love, treasuring all the moments with his new found love, living all the dreams that his father have for him. and believing that his Heavenly Father has great plans for him.

Truly, I salute you for being a strong, humble and kind-hearted person.

Ray Doing some of the dishes during our Tagytay Team Building 2012

Taken last March, Baguio Trip with the Team 

Its an honor knowing you and being friend with you bro. 

 

From Ray's IG account