Chris Tiu Joins PBA Draft

Giving his fans a good reason to celebrate, the 27-year-old basketball heartthrob Chris Tiu—who also dabbles into modeling, TV hosting, being a politician and a businessman —announces that he has finally decided to file an application for the 2012 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft.

Tiu excited fans on Friday when he hinted on his decision via Twitter, posting: “Hello PBA :)”

He eventually made the announcement official in an interview with PEP the same day.

Tiu explained his decision as part of his "duty and responsibility" to Pinoy basketball fans and the youth in general.

A devout Christian, Tiu also expressed that joining the PBA is a "fulfillment" of his mission for the Lord.

He went on to cite a statement made by the late Pope John Paul II relating to sports being "an integral opportunity to do apostolate, especially to the youth."

Tiu’s decision has been made easier with his family's all -out support towards the endeavor.

“I was able to receive a blessing from my family,” he said.

The Tiu family owns and controls many businesses, including the Sterling Bank of Asia, Discovery Suites in Ortigas and Boracay,Zhanzhou Stronghold Steel Works Limited of China, TKC Steel Corporation, among others.

In earlier interviews, Tiu admitted to having trepidations regarding playing professional basketball given the need for him to attend to the family's numerous businesses, which he deemed his "destiny."

Even with the impending draft, Tiu was non-committal as to how long he plans professionally saying, "A few years, and then we’ll see.”

He is also mum as to the team he is most interested to join. “Kahit saan," he said.

Tiu played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles for four years, culminating in a successful run for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) championship prior to his graduation in 2008.

He went on to play for the national basketball team, Smart Gilas, for three years.

Tiu also dabbled in modeling and was host of several TV shows including a local syndication of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not," and "Man Vs. Beast."

He was named Favorite Athlete in the first-ever Nickelodeon Philippines Kids' Choice Awards 2008.

Currently, he serves as kagawad of Barangay Urdaneta in Makati City.

By NR RAMOS

mb.com.ph

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