“We want Ruther!” says the Red Haribons just before the third quarter of their finals match between the Blue Stonefish. The latter team is far behind by points. The sky dropped to a gloom when the sun hid behind the heavy clouds. The Intramurals was burdened with shouts and sometimes, whispers of despair.

But one player from the Blue Team with “Wavebreakers” clearly embedded in their jerseys pruned the sadness and painted the spectators’ faces with smiles.

At last, the Wavebreakers brought in the man, the myth, the mighty Maguddayao to the game. All suited up in the blue get-go for the Stonefish. One shoe, then, the other. Tied to the tightness of tides. Aglets falling down and scraping the paved hardground of the open basketball court.

He would score and he would sleep! “Night, night!” they uttered one after the other. He lied on the court when the ball he hooped hops in the hole. Alliteration – but for many, a cold fact that its repetition is fiery as the Tasaday Tribe.

John Ruther Maguddayao, known for his Vlogs as “Jemput”, is a 12th grade Humanities and Social Sciences strand student from St. Maria Goretti. His quirky and hilarious stunts make him the perfect friend for the journey. Describing his gut-to-get and will-to-win attitude, he says he plays Basketball for a fun and memorable experience.

The iconic ‘Night Night’ trend reaching the waves of the Blue Dauntless Seas of Tausug started with Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry – when he pulled the signature celebration act during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Since, the internet went cray cray over his trademark. Videos posted in social media platforms showed players depicting the ‘Night Night’ action.

Some would make a big basket down the stretch and pose with the complete set of pillows and blankets for the perfect rendition of a sleeping contender. Ruther though? He can do much more. A cartwheel? Done.

When the ball is bouncing, expect others to free a frown. Ruther is driven by will to spread laughter while playing ball stating it’s a “social and entertaining activity”.

“There’s often laughter on the court – at happy times and competitive moments,” he wrote to The GEM Herald. He stated that if he was brought in right away, the flow would take a different turn. “The game wouldn’t be so serious, so I understand what Coach did. I know I’m the one everyone is waiting for so it’s fine with me.”

Expect Jemput to post more of his favorite videos and stuff that happens in his everyday life. “For me, vlogging is great because in the future you can look back at what happened in the past through watching those videos,” he wrote in Filipino.

Even though Ruther’s team lost in the finals, 67-42, to the Red Haribons, we can always reverse the trick. So, Night Night, fans. This is his city! Jemput out!

Written by Karol Jozef Mabazza & Yuan Gayb Somera via The GEM Herald and Kapitagang Tinta.