In every basketball game, the spotlight shines brightest on the players — the stars who hit the shots, make the passes, and lift trophies before roaring crowds.
But behind the lights, sweat, and celebration are unsung heroes like Eric Nanas of Rain or Shine — silent workers who make sure the show goes on. To most fans, he’s invisible. To the Rain or Shine family, he’s indispensable.
For Nanas, being a utility and ball boy is more than a job — it’s a calling that is deeply rooted in survival, love, and gratitude.
“When it comes to work, I can really do it for my family. I can do all the work,” said the 43-year-old Nanas during his guesting at “Off the Court,” the weekly online show of DAILY TRIBUNE, recently.
Nanas is slowly making a name for himself with large following on social media. He gained a reputation as a reliable utility guy while providing comic relief that makes the Elasto Painters’ serious job of battling the country’s best Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams a lot lighter — and funnier.
Today, he finds himself living the dream he once thought had passed him by — being part of the sport he loved since he was a kid, even if not as a player.
With him attending to the needs of the players, the Elasto Painters are able to focus on honing their skills as they are one of the hottest teams in the league.
But getting to where he is right now was never easy.
No easy life
Before his days with Rain or Shine, Nanas juggled several jobs that reflect his resilience and responsibility. In fact, Nanas had to skip college so that he can put food on the table for his family.
“I worked in a Chinese restaurant and I was a kitchen helper. Then, our contracts were not renewed,” said Nanas, adding that he had to make ends meet just to finish high school.
“I didn’t go to college. I just finished high school. I’ve been in high school for eight years.”
“I became a merchandiser in a mall. That’s where I stayed. I served as a merchandiser for 11 years.”
Those years were far from glamorous, but they molded the man who now wakes up each day proud to wear the Rain or Shine colors. For him, work — whatever it may be — is sacred.
“When it comes to work, we just do it. Especially, we need to take care of our family. That’s why we work hard, because of our family,” said Nanas, who found his way to the PBA when he was referred by a friend who works as a utility for the defunct NorthPort Batang Pier. Then, he transferred to Rain or Shine in 2016.
His path to the PBA wasn’t straight. It was a series of jobs and prayers, fueled by persistence and a quiet belief that one day, things would get better.
“It’s not that hard to be a utility ball boy. It’s just a few hours of work. It’s just two hours of practice,” Nanas said. “That’s why we arrive early. We prepare the equipment, the game, then the players will shoot. After that, we shoot extra. It’s not that hard to be a ball boy.”
Living the dream
Nanas’ entry to Rain or Shine seems like a blessing.
In fact, his love for his job translated into an instant social media presence as netizens are amused with the way he deals with the players like Andrei Caracut, Adrian Nocum, Santi Santillan and even veteran Beau Belga.
Nanas drew chuckles when Stanley Pringle arrived at Rain or Shine following a trade from Terrafirma as it appeared that he dropped his job of running errands for his “bosses” in favor of the English-speaking Filipino-American guard with the hopes of scoring a handsome tip.
But Nanas is more than just the team clown. He is so well-loved by the organization that head coach Rain or Shine even allowed him to sit at their table, together with the executives, during the Annual Rookie Draft last September.
“I’m so happy with that is happening,” said Nanas, who also loves to receive gfts from fans inside and outside the country as if he is also a member of the Rain or Shine roster.
“Imagine, from being just an ordinary utility man, I now have a social media account with a lot of followers. I’m really happy and grateful with what’s going on with my life. This is truly a huge blessing.”
Nanas said he is also grateful to his “bosses” in Caracut, Nocum and Santillan for helping him launch a social media career in a way that Filipinos from all walks of life can easily relate.
But more than that, he’s grateful to Guiao for putting up with his comical antics and supporting him despite being a humble member of the team’s support crew.
“I’m happy and proud to work with Coach Yeng Guiao. I’m proud that I got a job in basketball,” said Nanas, trying to fight back the tears which is very uncommon for a funnyman like him.
“I’m really happy. I’m proud that I got a job in basketball.”
Nanas said he would never get tired supporting the Elasto Painters and valuing the love, friendship and brotherhood they offered despite the fame, popularity and wealth they have right now.
“Rain or Shine is my family,” he said. “They are my brothers. So for as long as I still can, I’ll never get tired of helping and supporting them as much as I can.”
From selling candles to wiping sweat off PBA hardwood, Nanas has come a long way.
He may not wear a jersey, but his story carries the same grit and heart that define the game in a funnier way.