By JAN CARLO ANOLIN
PBA star Paul Lee knows well how important teamwork is for basketball.
Being the point guard of the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, including playing for the national team several times, he knows that too well.
Teamwork is also the key as far as being a parent is concerned.
With the help of his wife Rubie, being a father to baby Tokyo is not so difficult.
“Okay naman kami,” Lee said, while carrying Tokyo, who points out to her mother waiting near the south gate exit of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. “Hindi naman mahirap basta tulong tulong lang kami.”
So, how does Paul Lee manage this so-called ‘father time?’
As early as 4 a.m, Paul is already up and running for the day.
He needs to finish all morning routines and workouts before practice starts from 10 in the morning to 12 noon at Ronac Gym in San Juan.
The rest of the time goes to full-time parenting.
“Pag-uwi ko kailangan sa kanya (Tokyo) na ako naka-focus,” Paul said. “Kailangan ko nang tulungan ‘yung wife ko.”
In the PBA, Paul acquired the nickname “Angas ng Tondo,” growing up as the gutsy and fearless 6-footer guard from Tondo, Manila.
He calls the play, attacks the rim and shoots long range with a game-face on. He is also known for sinking clutch baskets when push comes to shove, earning another moniker “The Lethal Weapon.”
That is inside the court though. Contrary to that, Paul is a caring father and a loving husband.
The lively side of Paul is evidently seen on social media, particularly on Instagram. His feed and stories are filled with photos and videos of everything under the sun – be it practice, hoops, date time and family bonding.
When the clock strikes at around four or five noon, it is time for a short stroll with little Tokyo. Paul and Rubie would tour Tokyo, riding her kiddie bike, along the streets of their house.
The 31-year-old veteran guard, oftentimes, holds his phone in selfie mode and captures these precious moments in a video.
“Tokyo! Say hi!” Paul would say, then post numerous of these clips as stories on his Instagram account @lethalweapon.
Tokyo would respond – sometimes not because she’s too distracted by the children playing and pet dogs resting on the streets. When Tokyo gets bored of her bike, she’ll walk instead.
“Napag-usapan na namin before na if we have time talaga, as much as possible kailangan naming ituon [‘yung time] sa kanya. [Either] going to the mall, going to the playground or maglalakad kami sa hapon.
“‘Yun ‘yung kailangan namin gawin as parents para alam mo ‘yun, [naroon] ‘yung bonding at para hindi rin siya magsawa sa loob ng bahay.”
Paul and Rubie have been married for three years now and soon will celebrate their four years together as a married couple on October 25. Count the month of October as extra special since the two started their parenthood journey on October 8, 2018, the day baby Tokyo was born.
That said, the former University of the East standout indeed knows how important teamwork is.
With all teams prohibited to practice for two weeks as part of the league’s preventive measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, Lee will have more time for his family.