Education and sports are a part of his schedule

Dionisio Enriquez. ©Withnews

Dionisio Enriquez Jr., a 33-year old journeyman from Bulacan, is your typical country boy who finds success in the big city. It ’s not by working in the suburbs of Makati and Ortigas, it’s not by playing in big leagues and the like. His success lies in playing in Philippine Deaf Basketball League (PDBL) and Philippine Deaf Volleyball League (PVBL) and studying in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB). Despite of his busy schedule between his studies and playing time, he still manages the time of both schedules. He is really focused on studies and sports.

His father taught him basketball

Born on 26, 1975, Dionisio became deaf due to an illness when he was young. Despite of his disability, he went on to study in the Philippine School for the Deaf and pursued his college at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. He polished his basketball skills when he was a child by playing in his hometown gym with his father. And soon, basketball became his hobby and developed him into a good athlete. “My father taught me basketball and so, I started to love the sport and became accustomed to it,” he said. His friends and teammates find him friendly, simple, kind and a good companion.

A big impact in PDBL and PVBL

Later in his life, he never expected that he will make a big impact in PDBL and PVBL when he arrived in the big city. “The first time I played in the PDBL, I believed that I could make it. I have dreams for PDBL,” he said. He suited up for CSB Saints.

Dionisio receives his volleyball MVP award from PVBL Chairman, Camilo Mendez and PVBL President, Stevenson Tee. ©Withnews

As a player, he won numerous awards and was cited more for his performance in PDBL and PVBL. Even though he has never been a Most Valuable Player (MVP) in basketball, he has been awarded as MVP in volleyball. He was also awarded as Mythical 5 players and Top 10 best defensive players in basketball. He led the CSB Saints to 2008 PDBL Championship. “We always practice every Saturday and I teach my team,” he said when asked what he is doing to ensure the effectiveness of his team he is leading. He is indeed a good leader of the team by motivating his teammates in every game. To keep his athletic skills up to date, he trains everyday by playing in Bulacan and any place where he can play.

Best player in SBJ Tournament

Dionisio was awarded as the Best Player in the championship match in the just concluded Samahang Batang Jhocson (SBJ) Basketball Tournament for his performance and for saving his team from the jaws of defeat. With the time down to 2 seconds, he was fouled by the opponent. As a good free-throw shooter, he calmly sank his first and lone free-throw that sealed the win for Phildeaf team.

Praises and trusts from his coach

“I was thinking of my team that is up against a tall hearing team and I felt we could do it to win. I believe in myself and I believe that I can shoot the free-throw and I’m glad I did it,” Enriquez said. “I’m happy we believed on ourselves to win the championship. I prayed to God to help us to be strong,” he added. Dionisio got praises from his coach, Camilo Mendez. “Just a simple one free throw from Dionisio helped our team. I believed that he is best in free throw in the team and I trust him,” Mendez said.

Dionisio (seated 3rd from laft) and his CSB Saints teammates celebrates their championship victory. ©Withnews

Believing in oneself and faith in God can achieve success in life. “I believe in myself. I believe that I can make it to the top. And I believe that God is always there to guide me.” Dionisio said.

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