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Driven by Family: Oftana’s second PBA title is inspired by his wife
and child. -
No Shortcuts: His journey from grassroots basketball to PBA stardom
proves persistence pays. -
Hunger for More: The forward eyes consistent championship
contention for TNT.
TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana recently helped seal an
impressive championship victory, but for the versatile wingman, the journey
doesn’t stop at a trophy. Instead, it’s fuel for even bigger aspirations—not
just for himself, but for his team and family.
“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,”
Oftana shared.
The finals win may have been a job well done, but it represents a significant
step in the larger vision Oftana has for TNT: being a top contender in every
conference.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Oftana’s humility and candidness make him relatable to Filipino fans, but his
climb hasn’t been without hurdles.
“Merong times na hindi pabor yung outcome ng laro, syempre nafru-frustrate ka.
Hindi naman yun mawawala as a player. As a professional, you need to know how
to overcome those things,” he admitted.
Still, he draws strength from his family, teammates, and the loyal TNT
ka-tropa community. These relationships fuel his drive to keep winning, even
when the odds are stacked against him.
From Siaton to Stardom
Calvin’s basketball journey began far from the bright lights of the PBA.
Growing up in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Oftana taught himself the fundamentals
of the game by watching YouTube videos. A natural athlete, he transitioned
from volleyball and track and field to basketball, eventually catching the eye
of college scouts.
At San Beda, he sharpened his skills, leading the Red Lions to championships
and earning individual accolades. Drafted 3rd overall in the 2021 PBA Draft by
the NLEX Road Warriors, Oftana’s potential became immediately clear. His shift
to TNT Tropang Giga has since been a career-defining move.
“Binubuhos ko yung 100 percent sa bawat laro. Sabi ko nga kung bibigyan ako ng
chance ng teammates at coaches, I will give it my all para sa kanila,” he
said.
TNT’s Consistent Contender
Off the court, Oftana engages with fans in fun and relatable ways, from TikTok
videos with his siblings to updates on Instagram. Despite his lighthearted
online persona, his focus on TNT’s future is razor-sharp.
“Naglalaro tayo para makapagbigay ng saya sa mga ka-tropa natin. I want the
team to be a top contender for every conference,” Oftana emphasized.
While he’s mindful not to make bold dynasty claims for TNT, his commitment to
the team’s history and success is unwavering.
Shining on the National Stage
Oftana’s contributions extend beyond the PBA, with significant moments as a
Gilas Pilipinas mainstay. A key player in the 2022 Asian Games, he helped
secure the Philippines’ first basketball gold in 61 years.
With upcoming FIBA Asia Cup games against New Zealand and Hong Kong, Oftana is
already setting his sights on making waves internationally while keeping his
focus on TNT’s next conference.
A Role Model for Aspiring Athletes
Oftana’s journey is an inspiring reminder that dreams are attainable with hard
work and determination. Whether shooting hoops as a young boy in Negros
Oriental or dominating in the PBA, he’s consistently proven that success is
earned, not given.
“I honestly don’t think about [my status in the PBA]. I’m just focused on what
I can do for the team. Yung maglaro nang maganda para manalo—para sa mga
ka-tropa, sa management, at para sa family ko,” he said.
With his second championship under his belt, Calvin Oftana is far from done.
For TNT Tropang Giga and its fans, this is just the beginning of a promising
new chapter.