한국국제교류재단

ASEAN IN KOREA

Rising Basketball Star from the Philippines:Samuel Juntilla

Samuel Juntilla, a Filipino youth basketball league star who was a member of the country’s under-19 national team, continues to play basketball professionally today in Korea. In April, Juntilla made a name for himself among Korean basketball fans through his elaborate dribbling and impressive shooting against KBL talent Oh Jae-hyeon. For our November issue, ACH Monthly asked Juntilla, whose passion for basketball is evident both on and off the court, about his dreams and life in Korea.

Hello! Please introduce your team to the readers of ACH Monthly.

An-nyeong-ha-sae-yo! My name is Samuel Juntilla. I’m from the Philippines and am currently part of Global Friends, a basketball league for teens from multicultural families, which has received corporate sponsorship since 2012. I balance a tough, tightly packed training regimen with mentoring multicultural youth in Korea in basketball. I also encourage multicultural teens to have hobbies and make friends.

Why did you choose to pursue basketball?

There was no big “moment of realization.” I got started in basketball very gradually?I began playing when I was just four. As a child in the Philippines, I had no basketball court, let alone a basketball stand. I remember using discarded tires as a “stand” to play with my friends. All my life, I’ve always been happiest when I’m playing basketball.

You were the Yongsan-gu representative for basketball at Seoul Citizen Sports Day in November 2017. How did it feel to win?

I actually had no thoughts at all while playing (laughter). I usually don’t approach a game or tournament with the conviction that I have to win. Pressuring myself on winning only makes me stressed out and unable to play very well, which is why I focus on enjoying my time on the court. That being said, it felt so good to win that day. It was an even more meaningful victory because I felt that it was the outcome of practicing and training hard with my friends.

What is your future goal?

I formed a lot of valuable relationships while playing basketball in Korea and have ended up living in this country for much longer than I expected. I want to be an athlete who has a positive influence on others. Just as I looked up to basketball players as a child, if even one person gains self-confidence and a dream after watching me play, I would be very happy.