PBA and Gilas Pilipinas great Jimmy Alapag and his family left the country Tuesday night to begin a new life in the United States.
Long-time manager Charlie Dy confirmed that Alapag, wife LJ Moreno and their three children -- Ian Maximus, Keonna and Calen -- arrived safety in Los Angeles, weeks after pondering whether to push through with the move or not.
Alapag admitted that the US move had something to do with the possible chance of landing a coaching job in either the NBA or G-League and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation in the country.
“It was a very hard decision for him,” said Dy. “He asked me to see him before leaving and he hugged me so tight and shed some tears.”
Dy bid goodbye on the day of his departure along with MC Abolucion, one of Alapag’s assistant coaches with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League.
Alapag had been meeting friends and colleagues in the days prior to their departure.
But Alapag also dealt with the situation surrounding Moreno’s miscarriage six weeks into her pregnancy.