TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson may be a United States-born Jordanian but he fully knows how to celebrate Christmas the Filipino way.

Last Thursday, barely a few days before Christmas, Hollis-Jefferson pulled off a surprise when he gave his teammates a Casio G-Shock watch as a gift for their hard work and sacrifices that made the Tropang Giga one of the elite teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Aside from watches, the two-time PBA Best Import also handed shoes to utility staff, drawing cheers at the TNT locker room following its 109-93 win in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.

Hollis-Jefferson’s kind gesture was greatly appreciated.

Aside from seeing all members of the team chant his name to the tune of “Ole, Ole, Ole,” TNT center Poy Erram said they truly appreciate Hollis-Jefferson’s gesture, which promotes the Filipino value of generosity, humility, kindness, love and respect during the Yuletide season.

“He gifted us with G-Shock,” Erram said, expressing gratitude to the former National Basketball Association player who may look tough inside the court but very gentle and mild-mannered outside.

“He’s so kind.”  

Of all people, it was truly surprising to see Hollis-Jefferson giving special gifts during the holiday season.

First, he doesn’t celebrate Christmas being a devout Moslem and, second, he has been in the country for less than three years, giving him a very little idea about how Filipinos celebrate the Yuletide season.

That’s why everybody was surprised when Hollis-Jefferson gave Erram and the rest of the team a gift, which is surely expensive given the quality of the famous Japanese brand.

“This is expensive,” Erram said in a report.

“I didn’t know that he would give us something. I didn’t know what he would give us. I was so surprised to learn that it was a watch.”

Hollis-Jefferson said one doesn’t have to be a Catholic to preach kindness and generosity, especially during the most wonderful time of the year. MARK ESCARLOTE

“I know how Christmas is in the Philippines. I know how much you guys celebrate it. I don’t celebrate it myself. But these guys do so much for me, I just want them to feel appreciated. I got them something,” the import said.