MANILA (Philippines) - There's been a lot of buzz going around the Philippines basketball scene surrounding the youngsters that are set to take their talents abroad, Kai Sotto and Thirdy Ravena. Obviously those are two big steps for basketball in the Philippines, it is a side of development that is not limited only to Filipino (or men's) basketball players.

The "Filipina" (or women's) basketball players of the Philippines have been showcasing their talents abroad as well over the recent years and making their nation proud.

Among one of those standouts is pint-size forward, Afril Bernardino who got her chance to play in Malaysia Women's Basketball League (MWBL) back in 2018. Bernadino had just wrapped up a stellar collegiate career at National University in which she won three MVP awards in the local collegiate league when the offer came.

"After I graduated from college, coach Patrick Aquino told me that Malaysia had an upcoming league for women, which is the MWBL and that they would like to recruit me as their import," Bernardino recalled.

"As soon as coach Pat told me about it, I immediately said yes without hesitation because I knew it was a great opportunity for me not only to showcase and enhance my skills but also to represent my country in the best way I can. Of course, I felt so overwhelmed when I found out they wanted me, that's why my mentality was to really prove to them that they made the right choice, and I really hope I did."

There is no surprise as to why Bernardino garnered attention to play abroad. Aside from being a star at the collegiate level in the Philippines, the 24-year-old also always been one of the best players on the national team. Bernardino was Gilas Pilipinas Women's leading scorer at the two main FIBA events in 2019, the Women's Asia Cup and the Women's Pre-OQT.

"Known for her athleticism and relentlessness to win, Afril is one of the best players I have seen in the country," coach Aquino confirmed. "Her constant will to learn and determination to work harder than anybody else has made her who she is now. From always asking how she can improve her game to doing extra work after practice, Afril has added dimensions to her game. Despite all her achievements and praises from everyone, she remains to be the quiet, shy, and humble girl I first met."

Moreover, she has the drive to play much larger than her frame of 1.72M (5'8") would suggest. Bernardino loves to crash the boards and her average of 7.7 rebounds per game at the Women's Asia Cup 2015 Division B can attest that fact.

"For me, it doesn't really matter whether you're tall or not," she said. "If you have the passion for basketball, you would look past those things people think you can't do and show them that you're more than enough and could do anything you set your heart and mind to with the grace of God."

For all the reasons listed above, she was able to take another step forward in the world of basketball when she got the opportunity to play abroad. Coach Aquino, who had coached Bernardino throughout her collegiate career and her time playing for Gilas Pilipinas Women's, couldn't have been happier for his star player. He has coached many players that have proceed further into international opportunities and each time it happens, it's always a great feeling.

"When I heard about [Afril going to play in Malaysia], I was so happy for her because all the hard work she put up had paid off," Coach Aquino said. "The opportunity she had helped her improve more as a player and the experience she will gain will help us get better as a team for future international games."

"Given that we don't have any professional tournaments here in the Philippines after college, Afril grabbed the opportunity as a way to provide and help her family."

That opportunity to help her family also came at the expense of being away from them for a while. There was also a lot of pressure playing as an "import" on the team and these were the hurdles Bernardino has to face.

"Playing as an import felt like adversity I had to overcome," she said. "During those 3 months, I think it even felt like a year. The sadness of being far away from my family for a period of time really took a toll on me, that's why I would always try to call them every chance I get."

Fortunately for Bernardino, she had other "families" to turn to during her time there. These bonds, new and old, helped her through her time in Malaysia and allowed her to succeed.

"I guess one of the reasons why I was able to cope with the sadness of being far from my family was my Hatchers Valkyrie team," she admitted. "I'm just really grateful for my coaches and teammates because even though we have only known each other for a short period of time, they welcomed me with open arms and would always look out for me on and off the court."

"When I went to Malaysia, I had other teammates in the national team who were also playing for other teams in the league."

"Allana Lim, Chack Cabinbin, Gemma Miranda and Andrea Tongco," Bernardino recited. "Though we were all there, we weren't able to hang out since we had to stay with our teams but, I was very excited for them as well because we were one of the very few lucky Filipina ballers representing the Philippines."

"However, I did feel a bit jealous because I really wish we had the kind of basketball program Malaysia has because not only did they have leagues for their national team players but also for regular women who are just really passionate about basketball. I didn't know women's basketball was that big in Malaysia, until I saw so many people watching our games and there were also times when people would take pictures with us."

Being able to represent the Philippines as a professional player is a point of pride for Bernardino. It is something that she's been able to do, along with a select few others, and she hopes that more and more Filipina ballers will be able to follow her footsteps.

"I think it would be a really great opportunity for them to show how we Filipinas play out here. Aside from the fact that being away from their families would be really difficult, they should also consider that playing abroad is a lot different from how it is in college and that they should represent themselves well because bringing honor to our country is something us Filipinos truly value."

With more and more talents coming up for the Philippines women's national team (and hopefully getting even more chances to play abroad like Bernardino), she hopes that the program can keep this up. The feisty forward is very proud of what the team has recently been able to achieve, hoping that it will be enough to inspire the next generation of Filipina ballers to become the next wave.

"After so many years of trying to prove that Filipina ballers have what it takes to be on that stage, I was so proud to say that we finally made history last December in 2019 during the 30th Southeast Asian Games," she said. "We grabbed our very first two gold medals for the Philippines in Women's Basketball."

"I think this is a really great start, not only for Filipina ballers but also for all the other women around the world who are just as passionate as us because I strongly believe that we deserve that chance to be equally recognized the same way as men."

"So to all those girls out there who love basketball as much as we do," she concluded. "Continue what we have been fighting for, no matter what other people say to discourage you from playing the game. Just keep playing your heart out and do whatever it takes to prove them wrong because you are capable."

FIBA