TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana may have called their recent PBA Finals victory a “job done,” but the versatile wingman’s journey is far from over. Representing every TNT ka-tropa who stays inspired and optimistic in the face of challenges, Oftana shared why his second PBA championship takes the game to a whole new level.
“S’yempre sweeter and mas masaya ngayon kasi noong first championship ko buntis pa lang y’ung 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’s candidness and humility have endeared him to Filipino fans, who see in him a hardworking athlete who plays even when the tide seems to be against him.
“Merong times na hindi pabor ‘yung outcome ng laro, s’yempre 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 s’yempre ‘yung mga ka-tropa natin kaya pusrigido kaming manalo,” he said.
Off the court, Oftana actively engages with fans, sharing moments on social media—whether it’s TikTok dances with family or updates on his Instagram account, powered by TNT.
“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,” he shared.
A journey of hard work and determination
Originally from Cebu and raised in Siaton, Negros Oriental, the 6’5″ sharp-shooting forward started his athletic journey in track and field before shifting to basketball. Oftana sharpened his skills watching YouTube tutorials on shooting and dribbling, eventually playing for Asian College-Dumaguete, and later winning championships with the San Beda Red Lions.
Drafted third overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in 2021, Oftana has since found a home with TNT Tropang Giga.
“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 Gilas Pilipinas mainstay since 2020, Oftana contributed to the country’s first gold at the Asian Games in 61 years and continues to be a valuable member of the national team.
Even as he suits up for Gilas against New Zealand and Hong Kong at the FIBA Asia Cup November windown, Oftana is already looking forward to the PBA’s next conference.
When asked if he sees TNT going as far as winning a grand slam or stringing some more trophies in the next conferences, he shared, “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 source of inspiration for future Gilas and PBA players, Oftana is a living proof that dreams are for everyone. It doesn’t matter where you started; it’s how you push yourself forward to be the very best.
Still, Oftana would rather let his game do the talking. “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.”
