Who Got Balls brings your more inspiring sports stories for free on TrueID
What truly makes a champion? This is a question worth exploring by watching the next batch of episodes from TrueID and Digital Dreams Inc. docuseries Who Got Balls. The remaining half of the first season features sports stars such as Marc Pingris, Carlos Yulo, Meggie Ochoa, Roger Casugay, and Nesthy Petecio.
Even the story behind the production is an inspiring tale on its own as pandemic restrictions posed a challenge for filming. As Digital Dreams’ Danzen Katanyag recalls, “It’s amazing what collaboration, teamwork, and technology could do! Our team wanted to make a sports series with TrueID that is heartfelt, personal, educational. There were so many challenges to shoot during the lockdown. To complete the series, we worked closely with local filmmakers and coordinated online and hand-in-hand with the athletes and their families.”
The Who Got Balls production team approached the luminaries of the local sports world who made a lasting impact. The series documents their journey toward greatness without glossing over all the hardship that such an endeavor entails. One of the featured guests, Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio, feels honored to collaborate on such a project. Nesthy muses, “Na-amaze po ako, lalo na at yung mga kasama ko na atleta ay hindi po basta-basta. Hindi ko inisip na magiging kabilang ako sa kanila. Kaya isang malaking opportunity po para sa akin.” You can watch Nesthy’s episode here.
However, the documentary series doesn’t only focus on their achievements but delves deep into their work ethic, personal challenges, and thought process. Jiu-Jitsu athlete Meggie Ochoa appreciated this angle and adds, “I really liked the flow of how the concept of being a champion was used to guide the narrative. An athlete’s journey is so much more than the medals that he or she delivers.” You can follow Meggie’s story here.
This message was highlighted further by what Pinoy Sakuragi Marc Pingris shared in his own episode, “Kahit ikaw ang pinakamagaling na player pero ang attitude mo naman ay pangit, hindi kayo magiging buo. Kailangan talaga diyan pakikisama at puso.“ Watch the Marc Pingris episode here.
For the athletes featured, this became a way for them to be at their most relaxed and authentic selves, as surfer Roger Casugay puts it, “Participating in this docuseries was my way of expressing myself through telling a story that could inspire other people.” Check out Roger’s journey here.
Who Got Balls is not only a sports series but can also be viewed as a travel feature with filming taking the production team as far as Japan where international gymnast Carlos Yulo is currently residing. Even with his world-renowned status, Caloy remains humble and advises viewers who are seeking sports success to just go at their own pace. “It takes time na makuha mo ang gusto mo. Skills or pangarap ay kailangan na ma-effort ka at mapagpasensiya. Step by step. Maliit na step.” See Caloy in action when you watch his episode here.
When it comes down to it, the series teaches us that there are many facets to being a sports champion. There is no single formula for success as these athletes have chased their dream in their own ways. The second wave of Who Got Balls episodes are now available for free on TrueID.