The dynamic wingman of TNT Tropang Giga, Calvin Oftana, may have described their recent finals win as "job done," but for him, the journey is far from over.
As a beacon of inspiration and optimism for every TNT ka-tropa, Oftana's second PBA championship holds a deeper significance.
“Syempre sweeter and mas masaya ngayon kasi noong first championship ko buntis pa lang yung asawa ko. Ngayon, nakikita na ng anak ko at naiintindihan na niya yung laro. Nakikita ko yung sigla niya at sila ng asawa ko yung naging inspirasyon ko. Sweeter yung championship kasi ang daming hirap na pinagdaanan ng team,” Oftana shared, emphasizing the personal and collective struggles that made this victory more meaningful.
Loved by many for his humility and candidness, Oftana is now reaping the rewards of his relentless hard work, even when faced with adversity.
“Merong times na hindi pabor yung outcome ng laro, syempre nafru-frustrate ka. Hindi naman yun mawawala as a player. As a professional player, you need to know how to overcome those things lalo na yung sa mga fans na sobrang die-hard sa team nila. But I have my family, my teammates, coaches, at syempre yung mga ka-tropa natin kaya pusigido kaming manalo.”
Off the court, Oftana engages with fans through social media, uploading TikTok dance videos with his siblings and sharing updates on his official Instagram account—powered by TNT, the country’s leading mobile brand. He maintains a close connection with his supporters both in game venues and through virtual platforms.
“Naglalaro tayo para makapagbigay ng saya sa mga ka-tropa natin. I want the team to be a top contender for every conference. Gusto ko sana nakakapag-compete tayo sa taas or compete for the title each conference kasi hindi lang siya personal goal but I’m also doing it for my family,” Oftana stated, underlining his ambition and dedication.
No Shortcuts for Calvin
Born in Cebu and raised in Siaton, Negros Oriental, the 6’5” sharp-shooting forward began his basketball journey by watching YouTube videos on shooting and dribbling.
Transitioning from track and field and volleyball, Oftana climbed from the grassroots, playing for Asian College-Dumaguete before joining the San Beda Red Lions, where he secured multiple championships.
Drafted 3rd overall by NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA Draft, Oftana stands out as the only pure-blooded Filipino in the PBA’s 46th top 4 draft class, alongside Joshua Munzon (1st pick), Jamie Malonzo (2nd), and Mikey Williams (4th).
Now with TNT Tropang Giga, Oftana has found a sense of home and community.
“I’m giving my 100 percent every opportunity na makalaro. Binubuhos ko yun. Sabi ko nga kung bibigyan ako ng chance ng teammates at coaches, I will give it my all para sa kanila.”
A solid mainstay for Gilas Pilipinas since 2020, Oftana contributed significantly by hitting three triples early in the 2022 Asian Games against Qatar, helping secure the first gold medal for the Philippines in 61 years.
Looking ahead, Oftana is eager for the PBA’s next conference, driven to achieve even more.
When asked about TNT’s potential to become the next PBA dynasty, he responded, “I don’t want to say that ‘TNT is onto becoming the next dynasty in the PBA,’ but I can promise our supporters that I’m making my own path sa team. I’m trying to contribute sa history ng team. I’m making my own road and giving my all hanggang nandun ako sa TNT.”
A role model for aspiring Gilas and PBA players, Oftana embodies the notion that dreams are achievable for everyone, regardless of their beginnings. His focus remains on delivering exceptional performances for his team, fans, and family.
“I honestly don’t think about it [status in the PBA]. I’m just focused on what I can do for the team. In my head, yun ang binabayaran sa akin eh, yung maglaro nang maganda para manalo para sa mga ka-tropa, sa management, at para sa family ko,” Oftana concluded, letting his game speak for itself.
