Actor and businessman David Licauco swapped bright studio lights for the hardwood over the weekend as he suited up for Taho Story in the inaugural Pilipinas United 3×3 League at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Though better known today as the Pambansang Ginoo of primetime dramas, Licauco has always called basketball his “first love.” A former player for Grace Christian College and later the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, he admitted his 3×3 comeback was both nerve-wracking and fulfilling.
“It’s a privilege. Itong pagbabasketball yung pangarap ko noong bata ako,” Licauco said. “I’m really grateful sa Taho Story and kila Anton Altamirano for letting me play here. Actually, yesterday nga, kinakabahan ako.”
In his debut game against Japan’s SBB, Taho Story fell short, 12–18, with Licauco going scoreless—a result he candidly owned up to, noting that he had just come from taping action scenes for his upcoming series Never Say Die.
“At some point, naisip ko na ‘bakit ako nandito?,’ sa totoo lang. These guys, ito yung trabaho nila. Tapos ako, hindi naman ito yung trabaho ko. Definitely, maraming disconnect dun,” he admitted.
But for Licauco, showing up mattered more than the scoreline. “To be honest, feel ko yung sarili ko yung kalaban ko eh… Ganun naman sa buhay, di ba? Kailangan natin simulan at itry. And if you fail, you have to keep on going.”
Originally tapped only for a guest appearance, Licauco chose to commit fully, treating the competition as more than just a celebrity cameo. “The reason why I played here is because I really wanted to fulfill my dream and become a basketball player. Bumalik ’yung feeling noong bata ako. It’s something na I’m really, really excited for.”
Balancing his acting projects, business ventures like Sobra Café and a planned villa in Siargao, and now competitive basketball, Licauco admitted the challenge lies in time management. But he remains grounded, saying his hard work is fueled by a bigger purpose: “I want to make my future family comfortable.”
With his debut game now behind him, Licauco said he’s willing to step back on the court if given the chance. “If given the opportunity, syempre lahat gagawin natin. Pangarap ito ng halos lahat ng Pilipino,” he said.
