NATURALIZED player Justin Brownlee has long been a regular fixture for crowd-favorite Ginebra in the PBA and he has embraced several famous Filipino traits, including the deep sense of gratitude or reciprocity.
That’s why it was an easy decision for Brownlee to join fellow basketball stars Scottie Thompson and Jayson Castro, along with other pro athletes, in supporting Milka Romero and 1Pacman Partylist’s advocacy for sports and youth development.
“I actually want to give back to basketball. Hopefully, I can do some things with younger kids and try to help the development of basketball here in the Philippines,” said the 36-year-old Gilas star.
Brownlee officially became a Filipino citizen in January 2023, thanks to the initiative of outgoing 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, who filed the bill granting the Gilas wingman Filipino citizenship at the House of Representatives.
Brownlee’s naturalization allowed him to become a part of the national team, which ended a 61-year gold medal drought for the country in the Asian Games in Guangzho, China.
His endearing feats – highlighted by Gilas’ shocking win over world No. 6 Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that ended a 64-year dry spell of the Filipinos against European teams – have made him a national treasure.
Brownlee knew that none of that would have happened if not for the efforts of Mikee, 1Pacman and all the other congressmen and senators that made his naturalization possible.
“I definitely appreciate that. I understand it wasn’t an easy process, but I just appreciate all the senators and politicians who were involved. I can name so many, but I’m just gonna say everyone who was involved. I just appreciate them,” said Brownlee.
Interestingly, Brownlee now stands by the side with Mikee’s daughter, Milka, in continuing 1Pacman’s goal of helping elevate the grassroots, especially in less privileged areas in the country.
“Anything positive for the country,” said Brownlee.
“I’m a Filipino citizen now, so I take pride in things like that. Like I said, I wanna be a big part of it or even a small part of it and help as much as I can,” he added.
