As a mother, there's nothing more heartwarming than seeing your child soar. And for actress and fitness icon Ina Raymundo, that moment is happening in full swing. I recently sat down with my dear best friend, Ina, to talk about her 21-year-old son, Jakob Poturnak, who is now making waves as a Division 1 baseball player for Sacramento State University’s Hornets.

With beaming pride, this is Mama Ina’s message to his son Jakob: “Kuya Banana, my only sunshine, Mama is so proud of you. I’m your biggest fan. You are my Neo in baseball, because like in The Matrix, everything slows down when you play. You hit thousands of balls tirelessly, never stopping. Stay that way, eyes on the prize like you always do.”

Jakob’s baseball journey is nothing short of inspiring. He’s the first Filipino-born and raised athlete on the verge of being drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB), a dream he’s working tirelessly to achieve.

Ina and her husband Brian pour blood, sweat, and tears into Jakob’s development. Brian, who himself played baseball until he was 14, recalls spending 3–5 hours a day with Jakob at training facilities. “Most fathers live vicariously through their sons,” he says, “but I just wanted to help him find his fire.”At first, Jakob tried pitching but found it boring. It was only when Brian transitioned him to hitting that the spark was lit. And what a hitter he turned out to be! His stats are elite: a batting average of .300 and a slugging percentage that impresses scouts. His home runs often fly at a jaw-dropping 420 feet. No wonder MLB scouts are watching closely.

Jakob's coach, Alex Razon, has also played a huge role in honing his talent. With consistent discipline and strong mentorship, Jakob is slowly making his way up the ranks. If drafted next year, he’ll move through the MLB’s Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A systems before hopefully hitting the big league.

But what’s also endearing is Jakob’s humility. Ina says that even when girls flocked to him at her events during his teenage years, asking for selfies, Jakob never acted entitled. “He’s not ‘suplado’ at all,” she shares. “He just knows how to handle attention well.”

If not baseball, Jakob might have been an influencer. His teammates tease him for his social media following and for speaking to his mom in Tagalog during calls. And for the curious ladies: yes, Jakob prefers athletic girls, ideally fellow D1 athletes, who understand his grueling schedule.

When I asked him what food he’d eat for the rest of his life, he didn’t even hesitate: “Ninang Giselle, I devour Chicken lumpia and rice.” His walk-up song every time he hits in games? Dr. Dre’s “What’s the Difference Between Me and You” – a fitting choice for a young man carving his path.

As Jakob continues to chase his MLB dreams, one thing is sure: he carries not just the hopes of his family but the pride of an entire nation. From Manila to Sacramento, his journey proves that with relentless passion, unwavering support, and a humble heart, even the biggest leagues are within reach. Ina calls him her sunshine, and it’s clear: Jakob Raymundo is destined to shine, on and off the field.

Jakob, your Ninang Giselle is sooo proud of you. The world better watch out – because a Filipino star is swinging his way to greatness.