Jovin and Eric Reflect on Special Davao Experience

While the entire team is on a high following yesterday’s 5-1 victory over Davao Aguilas, the match was particularly special for two players, who enjoyed performances to remember in front of thousands at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex. Jovin Bedic was named Man of the Match for his crucial two-goal performance, while hometown favorite, Eric Giganto, marked his return to Davo del Norte with a well taken goal.

“Eto talaga yung gusto natin, yung makuha yung three points, kasi hungry tayo ngayon sa panalo,” said Bedic after the match. “Sobrang saya syempre na nadagdagan nanaman yung goals natin. Hopefully makakuha ulit sa next game.”

(This is exactly what we wanted, to get the three points because, we’re hungry for wins at the moment,” said Bedic after the match. “Of course I’m really happy to add to my goal tally. Hopefully I’ll be able to add more in the next game.”)

“Siguro wala na,” said Giganto on whether he could have asked for more on his homecoming. “Ang hinahanap lang naman kasi yung manalo yung team every game. Gusto namin mag-top sa league. And kung anong performance namin, ay hihigitin pa natin, yun lang.”

(“Probably not,” said Giganto on whether he could have asked for more on his homecoming. “What we’re really only looking for is that the team wins every game. We want to be at the top of the league. And whatever performance we have, we will look to top it, that’s all.”)

Jovin opened the scoring against the Aguilas by capping off a sweeping move with a close range finish. He then scored the crucial third goal for Kaya Makati, which effectively sapped Davao of their morale, and sealed victory. Having last scored back in May against Ilocos United, Bedic attributed his return to the scoresheet to the constant work in practice.

“Everyday naman nag-ta-training tayo dyan (finishing). Nasa right place and the right timing na pumunta yung bola dun, kaya yung chance nakuha natin,” he said. “Communication was key. After the first half, yung pag-uusap sa coaches and players natin [was the difference].”

(“Everyday we train in that (finishing). I was in the right place, and the ball arrived at the right time, so I got the chance,” he said. “Communication was key. After the first half, the way our coaches and players talked [was the difference.]”)

Eric came off the bench on the hour mark to a rousing ovation. And when he hit the back of the net with a few minutes remaining, he sent the crowd into a frenzy.

“Feeling ko, hindi ko ma explain (the feeling of scoring in his hometown). First goal of the season, sa hometown ko pa. Ang sarap sa feeling. Extreme,” Giganto beamed. “Of course in my mindset, ‘I want to score, I want to get a goal.’ Gusto ko lang talaga maka-contribute sa team and magawa yung best ko,” he said of his mindset before stepping onto the pitch.

(“I feel like I can’t explain it (the feeling of scoring in his hometown). First goal of the season, and it happened in my hometown too. It was such a great feeling. Extreme,” Giganto beamed. “Of course in my mindset, ‘I want to score, I want to get a goal.’ I just wanted to contribute to the team, and do my best.”)

“Nung pumasok sya medyo nag change din yung game. Kaya tinatawag na sya dito sa Davao na Superstar 19, talagang pinakita nya yung laro nya ngayon,” said Jovin.

(“He changed the game when he entered. That’s why he’s being called Superstar 19 here now in Davao, he really showed his game today,” said Jovin.)

Asked of his new nickname, Eric laughed it off.

“Hindi naman. Ang sa akin lang naman is magawa ko yung best ko. Pinapakita ko yan every game. Yung sinasabi ni Jovin, kalokohan yun, kasi sya ang mas superstar sa amin. That’s why he’s called Special 7,” he chuckled.

(“Not really. For me, it’s all about being able to do my best. I show that every game. What Jovin is saying, that’s nonsense because, he’s really the superstar between us. That’s why he’s called Special 7,” he chuckled.)

After back-to-back wins on the road, Kaya Makati next faces JPV Marikina at home on July 16, before consecutive matches against Ilocos United on the 19th, and 23rd, also at the University of Makati Stadium. With his debut goal in the PFL in the bag, and a memorable experience in the books, Eric is eager to keep showing what he can bring to the team.

“Of course I want to continue scoring. Gusto ko mag-improve yung game ko. Gusto ko parin mag-contribute sa team. Gusto ko parin maging energizer, especially kung galing ako from substitute. Yun lang. Gusto ko i-level up yung team — yung energy, yung morale. At kung ano man ang ginagawa ko ay mahigitan ko pa.”

(“Of course I want to continue scoring. I want to improve my game. I still want to contribute to the team. I still want to be the energizer, especially if I’m coming on as a substitute. That’s it. I want to level the team up — the energy, the morale. And whatever I do, I want to go further.”)