Basketball star Marc Pingris reveals the heartwarming secret to his success

After 16 years of playing for PBA, it’s undeniable that Marc Pingris has made a successful career out of basketball. Some of his best moments on the court include capturing two Finals MVPs and helping the national team win over foreign opponents, eventually leading to his induction into PBA’s 40 Greatest Players in history. This is why fans were left shocked when “Pinoy Sakuragi” suddenly announced his retirement at the age of 39 earlier this year.

In an Instagram post, Marc reminisced about his humble beginnings, “I remember my name being called during the 2004 PBA Draft. Doon nagsimulang matupad ang pangarap ng isang batang palengke.”

The former PBA player reveals more about his childhood and how his mother inspired him to reach for his dreams, as part of Knorr’s new campaign Nutri-Sarap Para sa Malusog na Bukas. Unlike most kids, he shares that he had to help his mom sell vegetables and fruits in the wet market to make ends meet.

"Tinutulungan ko siyang magbenta ng mga prutas sa palengke. Doon na talaga ako lumaki sa palengke. Na-try kong maging isang kargador, na-try ko rin na magbenta ng mga ice buko dati noong maliit ako," he says.

After classes, Marc reveals that he would practice basketball at the barangay court before going back to help at the market stand. In support of his passion, Marc’s mommy Erlinda would cook delicious and nutritious dishes for him, including his favorite bulanglang.

"Special sa 'kin ang bulanglang dahil ito ang pinapakain niya sa 'kin kapag may laro ako. Sinasabi ko sa kaniya na hindi ako kumakain ng meat kapag may laro dahil mabigat sa tiyan."

Bulanglang is a dish prepared with a variety of vegetables and fish. In his mom’s version, Marc says that mommy Erlinda usually adds sitaw, saluyot, and bulaklak ng kalabasa, as these are some of the vegetables readily available to them in his hometown Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. To help boost the flavor of the broth, he says the secret is using Knorr Shrimp Broth Cubes.

Today, as he turns to farming after his retirement, Marc credits his success to the love of his mother and the nutritious veggie dishes that she would prepare for him. He adds, "Sobrang supportive si mommy. Nasuportahan niya kami sa pagluluto niya, sa pagpapakain niya sa 'min ng masustansiyang pagkain. Proud na proud akong sabihin na ako ay laki sa nutri-sarap na luto ng nanay ko. At dahil sa busog, at sustansiya, at pagmamahal [niya], ito ay naging lakas ko para magsumikap at maging magaling na basketball player.”

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Understanding how these stories can inspire all of us to reach for our dreams, Knorr tapped Marc — along with Teacher Fe and Doc Otit — to share their personal Nutri-Sarap Stories of Success. The message is clear: Anyone can achieve their goals with determination, perseverance, and proper nutrition.

For those who need help in preparing nutritious and delicious meals for the family, Knorr offers the well-loved Knorr Nutri-Sarap products, which are now sources of essential nutrients and vitamins. These products include Knorr Chicken and Pork Broth Cubes that are now sources of iron, the Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix Original that is now a source of vitamin C, and Knorr Ginataang Gulay Mix that is now a source of calcium. Not only will these products help provide nutrient boosts to your favorite dishes, but they’ll also help bring out the flavor in your nutri-sarap ulam at an affordable price!