For Jacob Cortez, JV Gallego was far more than a former teammate.
He was a mentor, a protector, and someone the reigning UAAP Finals MVP considered an older brother throughout his basketball journey.
Following Gallego’s untimely passing in a vehicular accident on Saturday, Cortez shared an emotional tribute on social media, reflecting on the profound influence the former San Beda Red Lion had on his life both on and off the court. Gallego was 28 years old. His wife, Chloe, survived the accident.
Cortez Finds a Mentor and Friend in JV Gallego
Cortez said their friendship began almost immediately after he arrived at San Beda during the NCAA Season 97 bubble. Feeling unfamiliar with his new surroundings, he found comfort when Gallego and Peter Alfaro approached him and welcomed him into the team.
“I’ll never forget my first day at the Beda bubble. I didn’t know anyone, so you and Peter came up to me and said, ‘Yo, what’s up, bro?’ Ever since then, I knew I had an older brother who took me under his wing.”
That first conversation became the foundation of a friendship that extended well beyond basketball.
According to Cortez, Gallego constantly looked out for him—whether it was offering advice, checking on him after games, or simply making sure he never felt alone.
“You protected me. You taught me so much, on and off the court. Even until now, you would check up on me after games or even on a random day.”
Cortez said Gallego never stopped believing in him, even during difficult stretches of his collegiate career. He recalled how the former Red Lion would constantly challenge him to trust his abilities and reach a higher level.
A Friendship Forged, a Friendship Kept
The two eventually celebrated an NCAA Season 99 championship together alongside Yukien Andrada and Peter Alfaro before their careers took different paths. Even then, their friendship remained intact.
What lingers most with Cortez is that their final conversation came only days before the tragedy.
They reminisced about their San Beda days, talked about Gallego’s work as a coach at Colegio San Agustin in Makati—where Cortez first learned the game—and discussed the future Gallego hoped to build with Chloe.
“Just a few nights ago, we were talking about the past and all our memories as teammates. We talked about how you were coaching at the school where I first started playing basketball. We talked about your future with Chloe. You were making sure I stayed focused on basketball.”
As he mourned the loss, Cortez also made a promise to his fallen teammate—that he and the rest of their close-knit group would continue to look after Gallego’s family.
“The guys and I will watch over your family, brother. Kami na bahala. Magpahinga ka na diyan.”
For Cortez, Gallego’s legacy will not be measured by statistics or championships alone, but by the countless lives he touched through his generosity, guidance, and unwavering support.
“Rest in peace, my brother. Lucky Lefty. My rookie veteran. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you in my life.”
“I love you, brother. Look after me up there.”
