‘This is an opportunity for me to learn and grow’ — Rosete

AS THE SAYING goes, “A picture paints a thousand words.”

And just recently, none evoked more emotions than the image of University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancer Jake Justin Rosete nearly choking out Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s (SHS-AdC) Benedict Chua after putting him in a headlock during their heated game weeks ago.

Many were furious as they called for justice and clarity as to how a high school player can even think, much less pull off such a dangerous maneuver in the middle of a game. But few, if at all, ever tried to know the youngster beyond his green and white jersey.

Cebu Daily News did and talked to Rosete to shed light upon the controversy that he has found himself in.

“It looked worse than it really was but I was only trying to go for the ball,” said Rosete in a mix of Visayan and Tagalog shortly after he and the rest of the Baby Lancers visited the House of Hope, a drug rehabilitation center in Cebu, for an outreach program.

When pressed if he really choked Chua or not, Rosete would not say but made it clear that he was remorseful for what transpired.

“What happened, happened. I accept the suspension that was given to me and I take this as an opportunity to learn and grow. And I also know that my teammates will step up and grow from this as well,” added the Davao native.

A day after visiting the Gasa sa Gugma-Home for the Dying Destitutes, the Baby Lancers made their way to the House of Hope where they got to talk to the residents.
Jancork Cabahug said that the visit gave them a new perspective on the virtue of change.

“People make mistakes. People make bad decisions in life but the important thing is there are always chances to bounce back and mend their ways,” said Cabahug.

The burly but fleet of foot forward also added that he and his teammates learned the importance of caring for one another in talking to the House of Hope’s residents.

“It makes us experience first hand the importance of caring for one another, compassion for each other, and service. We enjoyed the visit and the idea of being able to bring joy to others through the simplest touch and visit, the smallest conversation and greeting. We realized also that we have to care for our loved ones and enjoy as much time with them as we can.”