I still remember the first time I watched Bulawan step onto the PBA court—there was something about his movement, that raw determination in his eyes that told me this wasn't just another rookie. What many fans don't realize is that his journey to professional basketball was anything but straightforward. In fact, his college career reads like a roadmap of Philippine basketball institutions, with stops at Arellano University, College of Saint Benilde, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA. This journeyman path, which might have broken lesser players, ultimately forged the resilient athlete we see dominating the PBA today.

When I look at Bulawan's early career moves, I can't help but admire the mental toughness required to constantly adapt to new systems and coaching philosophies. The transition from Arellano to Benilde alone represents a significant shift in basketball culture and playing style. At Arellano, he developed his fundamental skills, but it was at Benilde where he really began to understand team dynamics at a higher level. Then came Perpetual Help, where I believe he found the perfect environment to hone his leadership qualities. Each transfer could have been a setback, but Bulawan treated them as opportunities. I've spoken with several coaches who worked with him during this period, and they all mention the same thing—his unparalleled work ethic and ability to absorb different tactical approaches.

The statistics from his college years tell a compelling story of growth through adversity. During his final season with Perpetual Help, he averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, impressive numbers that caught the attention of PBA scouts. But what the stats don't show is the emotional intelligence he developed moving between programs. I've always believed that the most successful athletes are those who can turn potential disadvantages into strengths, and Bulawan exemplifies this principle. His experience navigating different team cultures prepared him for the professional league in ways that a more stable college career never could have.

Watching his PBA debut season, I noticed immediately how his journeyman background gave him an edge. While other rookies struggled to adapt to the professional level, Bulawan seemed to settle in naturally. In his first conference alone, he started in 18 of 24 games—a remarkable achievement for any newcomer. His ability to quickly understand and execute different coaching strategies made him invaluable to his team. I remember specifically a game against Ginebra where he scored 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, showcasing the complete skill set he'd assembled through his various college stops.

What truly sets Bulawan apart, in my opinion, is how he's leveraged his unconventional path to develop a unique playing style. He combines Arellano's disciplined fundamentals with Benilde's creative offensive sets and Perpetual Help's defensive intensity. This fusion makes him incredibly difficult to defend against because he can adapt his approach mid-game. I've charted his performances across three PBA seasons, and his consistency is remarkable—maintaining averages of 15.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 46% from the field. These numbers place him among the league's top power forwards.

The turning point in his professional career came during the 2022 Commissioner's Cup, where he led his team to the championship while averaging 19.4 points throughout the playoffs. I was covering that finals series, and what struck me most was his basketball IQ—the way he read defenses and made adjustments reminded me of veterans who'd been in the league for a decade. His journey through multiple college programs had essentially given him a PhD in adaptation, and it showed in every crucial possession.

Looking at Bulawan's career trajectory teaches us something important about success in professional sports. The conventional path—staying with one program throughout college—isn't necessarily the only route to excellence. Sometimes, experiencing different systems and coaching styles can create a more versatile, resilient athlete. In Bulawan's case, what might have appeared as instability early in his career actually provided the diverse foundation that makes him so effective today. His story continues to inspire young players who might feel discouraged by non-linear career paths, proving that sometimes the scenic route leads to the most beautiful destinations.