Green Journal: The Diamante brothers of DLSU Football

With the playoffs of the UAAP Season 78 Men’s Football Tournament right around the corner, The LaSallian took the opportunity to catch up with not one, but all three Diamante brothers of the DLSU Men’s Football Team during the early stages of the tournament. Eldest brother and former team captain Gio shared his thoughts on his post-UAAP days, while current skipper Gelo spoke about the opportunity of being able to play with both of his brothers. Last but not the least, rookie Jed Diamante spoke about following the footsteps of his two older mentors.

Gio Diamante (Season 73-77)

On no longer playing for La Salle

Somehow I kinda miss it [playing for La Salle]. It’s very rare that you get the chance to play with your brothers. But then, I finished all of my years in playing [for DLSU]. All I could do now is support them and try to push them to lead the team. I try to give a lending hand to the team and give a little motivation to each one of them.

Thoughts on playing with Gelo

It’s like when we were young. We’ve been playing since we were seven or eight years old. When playing [together], parang we don’t have to talk or say anything. I know how he plays and he knows how I play. The chemistry’s already there. Everything’s automatic.

Thoughts on not being able to reach Jed

It was only a year’s gap [between Jed and I]. I wish that I could have played one more [year]. I used to think na I should have stopped playing for one year, just to reach him but then things don’t happen how you want them to be. All I can do now is support them, guide them as if I’m playing with them like that.

Gelo Diamante (Season 75 – present)

On becoming Gio’s successor as team captain

It’s more than an armband that I got from my brother. I got responsibilities; I got his experience also. He’s right there beside me. It’s like we didn’t lose him, and it’s like he taught me everything he knows. Now I’m applying everything he knows and also adding a few of my own. Everyone’s working with me. I’m the captain but everyone’s playing and this is just an armband and it’s everyone’s game.

The opportunity to play with both brothers

Ever since, I really wanted to play with all my brothers, but the gap [in playing years] from Gio to Jed was too big. The thing is, when I play with my brothers there’s really that connection between us. When my older brother graduated and my younger brother came in, that connection was not lost. My older brother’s still a part of that [connection] since he gives us tips and motivates us.

Jed Diamante (Season 78 – present)

Watching Kuya Gio and Gelo play for La Salle

It was a great feeling seeing both of my brothers play. Both of them trying to give their best for the team and trying to help each other out, just like how they were doing in Davao. It makes me proud that they were able to bring that kind of football here [in Manila].

I actually did get to see Kuya Gio and Kuya Gelo play for La Salle before. They had games na [perfect] timing, while I was in town. I got to see them also on TV in the finals [last season] vs. FEU. It was our exam week, I remember. I forgot to study na nga because I watched them play.

Not getting to reach Kuya Gio

He’s more of the strong aggressive guy inside of the field. Parang machine talaga that never gets tired. Yun talaga nakikita ko sa kanya. He’s the one who really tries to push the team forward.

Sayang because I thought that when I was going to enter La Salle, aabot pa kaming dalawa. It was only once in our lifetime na the three of us were able to play in one team, and that was in grade school for only one tournament. It would have been a nice experience to play with both my kuyas, the ones who inspired and taught me to play football.

Getting to play with Kuya Gelo

The thing about Kuya Gelo, he’s the speedy one and he has really great technique. Even back in Davao, it’s really a different feeling when I’m playing with other teammates from when I’m playing with him.

There’s this special bond na nagbuo between us kasi we started playing football together tapos we grew up together. Parang we learn from each other. It’s really exciting to be inside the same football field [with] him as teammates.