My name is Daniel Justin E. Virtudazo, and I’m 16 years old. I am a grade 9 student. I live in Las Pinas. I was born on March 30, 2008, in my aunt’s house in Sampaloc, Manila. My father is a businessman and a basketball coach. My mother is an online entrepreneur and businesswoman. I have five siblings: Denise, Chrissy, MJ, Riley, and Charlotte. I’m the eldest.
Passion
My dream is to become an NBA player and a powerful businessman. I work hard every day by always going to the gym five times a week and training basketball five times a week. On the weekends, I usually have basketball games at the United Basketball League/UBL, Ultimate Basketball Championship-UBC, Milcu Got Skills, National Youth Basketball League/NYBL, and many more.
Sports beginnings
I became interested in basketball in 2013; I remember watching my first basketball game on television. The Miami Heat was playing against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. I was so excited and mesmerized watching the intense game, and I was shocked when I saw Lebron James dunking. I screamed with excitement. His basketball moves were awesome! So I told myself that I wanted to do what he does and play in the NBA when I grew up.
In the summer of 2017, I attended the Filipino Basketball Association (FBA) basketball skills camp. I participated in the program only for enjoyment and to improve. I had a good time, met a lot of new people, and improved throughout 12 camp sessions. My parents agreed when I asked if I could joi
n the league that the skills camp was participating in.
I’ve been playing for a long time in some very significant leagues. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve gathered several awards. This consists of multiple achievements, such as the Mythical Five, Best Player of the Game, Season MVPs, championships, sportsmanship awards, etc.
As of now, I continue to play basketball, and I’m getting ready to play varsity basketball at NCAA Jrs/UAAP Jrs in a couple of years. I’m doing my best to train and study to become a university student-athlete. Hopefully, in the future, I will play professionally.
Hobbies
I spend my free time studying or doing something I enjoy when I’m not playing basketball. I enjoy playing chess, although I typically choose white since I know better about white openings. I also enjoy listening to music, whether classical or recent releases. I play volleyball with my sisters if I don’t have any games planned for the weekend. I also enjoy reading. I’ve read a lot of storybooks, especially fantasy stories. I’ve also read books with knowledge, such as Atomic Habits by James Clear and The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Finally, my favorite science and history books are the most read because they are my favorite subjects.
Current life
Right now, in the year 2024, I’m doing my best with basketball and studies and just having fun with the things I love to do. By 2025, I plan to be playing in NCAA Jrs or UAAP Jrs, which is a big deal for me and my parents because it will bring me one step closer to my dream.
