Haydee Ong believes strong relationships are the foundation of every success.
The former head coach of the Philippines women's national basketball team was recently made commissioner of the inaugural Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL).
The WMPBL means players are now able to progress beyond the local university league.
Ong says leading something like this has always been a vision of hers.
"It's my dream, since I was younger, to have a pro league for women," Ong said.
"Hopefully this season is just a step away from being a pro league this coming June [where they are planning to formalise the league with a draft]."
A friend and enemy
Ong was a college basketball MVP and comes from a large family of athletes.
She played in the U16 and U18 national teams before suiting up for the seniors.
Ong played at the top level from 1986 — 1993, before joining the coaching staff of the national team in 1996, which started a long journey of touching the lives of those in her teams.
In 2007, Ong was appointed head coach of the Philippines women's national team, where under her guidance, they won gold at the 2010 Women's Southeast Asia Basketball Association Championship and silver at the Southeast Asian Games in 2011 and 2013.
After that success, she was asked to coach the team of the university she used to play for, University of Santo Tomas in Manila (UST), and it didn't take much convincing.
"Of course, it's my alma mater, so I couldn't say no," Ong said.
She's still coaching the team, as well as overseeing the WMPBL.
"I'm not just their head coach inside the court, but also off the court," Ong said.
"I'm their mentor, their friend, their mother, and sometimes their enemy."
Nikki Villasin, a Filipino-American from Chicago who overcame Guillain-Barré syndrome, eventually came under Ong's wing as a UST point guard and now, a team staff member.
"I have this autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barré. I was diagnosed when I was 18 and I was paralysed in my left arm and both my legs," Villasin said.
After a few months of seeing eight different doctors, Villasin was admitted to hospital and recovered after six months.
"I remember being in the hospital, wishing I could still play basketball. I wished I could run," she said.
"When I ended up recovering, I played college basketball. I wanted to continue to play overseas and make a professional career out of it. Thankfully, when my college career ended, UST was looking for guards."
After seeing what Villasin could do, Ong invited her to join the UST team.
"I immediately let Coach Haydee know about [my] autoimmune disorder," Villasin said.
"She was super understanding. I had a very motherly and open relationship with [her], and it helped a lot in my process here."
Villasin says Ong's way of building relationships extends to each one of her players.
"There's no one player on the team that ever says, 'Oh, I'm not close to Coach Haydee'," she said.
"She checks on me and the rest of the girls, every single day."
"I would say she's very firm in what she expects but at the same time, she knows balance."
Building a legacy
Along with her strategic brilliance on the court, Ong's strong foundation of support for others extends beyond her players.
Another great relationship she holds is with Cynthia Tiu, the longtime UST team manager.
The unlikely partnership began with a simple need in 2004: a female coach for Tiu's daughter's high school basketball team.
Tiu sought out Ong and the connection marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Over two decades later, the pair have cultivated a unique team culture.
"We were in the national team from 2007 to 2013. After that, she went to UST. And wherever she is, we are a tandem," Tiu said.
"And now with WMPBL, I said, 'wait, this is too big and too fast' — I'm more cautious.
"She grabbed it [the commissioner role] and I think it's something that women basketball players were waiting for.
"In my mind, there's no better person [for the role] than Coach Haydee."
Together, Coach Ong and "Godmother" Cynthia Tiu have left an indelible mark on the sport in the Philippines and the players they have worked with.
"What I like [from the teams we're in] is when they move on after playing, they carry the values [we taught them]," Tiu said.
"I know there are lots of players who would want to play for Coach Haydee, if they had the chance."
Shaping a new chapter in women's basketball
Tiu acknowledges Ong's significant impact on the elevation of women's basketball in the Philippines.
Her innovative coaching style and competitive drive have challenged other coaches and programs to raise their standards.
Looking ahead, Tiu is optimistic for the future of women's basketball.
"Small steps lead to bigger things, you just have to take your time," she said.
"I hope women ballers will begin to see themselves worthy not just as a player on the court, but as something more.
"Hopefully, women's basketball will unite into something bigger. Even go to the [Olympics]."
With a heart full of gratitude for everyone who contributed to the momentous new league, Coach Ong has a message of hope and encouragement for aspiring athletes.
"Just keep dreaming. Like I said, it was my dream to have a professional league for women in the country, and here we are now.
"We want this league to be sustainable, but the sustainability of the league is a long journey.
"After two to three years, I want it to be secure and stable. That's [when] you can say that your league is successful."
Cynthia Tiu and Haydee Ong have a mantra that guides them throughout this journey.
It's "walang iwanan", and means "leave no one".
A fitting cry as women who love the game do their best for their country, and others worldwide.
Germaine Magalang is a communication student who strives to make a positive impact through her pursuits. She's an advocate for women in sport and believes in the power of having a voice. Follow her journey at @itsainemagalang on social media.
Germaine is part of ABC International Development's Women in News and Sport Initiative, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.
