Chris Newsome’s impact goes far beyond sports.
The PBA Philippine Cup Finals MVP for the Meralco Bolts has changed lives, including that of Jean Marie Sebongga—a young accounting graduate and the daughter of his driver and house help.
For Jean, member of the New Era University Class of 2024, this opportunity was more than just a game-changer; it was a lifeline, and as the first graduate of Newsome’s scholarship drive, a new era certainly awaits her.
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The genesis of a scholarship
Chris Newsome’s journey as a basketball player for Gilas Pilipinas and Meralco is well-documented, but the good he does for other people outside of sports is equally compelling.
In an interview with One Sports, Newsome shared the origin of his scholarship.
“We call her by the name of Inday, she is my first graduate that I have sponsored and she is actually the daughter of my driver and my house help,” he said.
“And something that we talked about whenever I started working with them was being able to create opportunities not just in basketball and for them to have jobs, but to create opportunities for their family as well,” Chris added.
Newsome’s scholarship was not just a financial contribution; it was an investment in a future full of promise.
His goal was to give back by supporting the education of a family that had been there for him.
“I know how important it is for people to have education,” the Meralco star said.
“And so first I wanted to give that opportunity for someone in their family to get an education, to be able to do something good for their family, for themselves because you never know how that ripple effect may go.”
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A life-changing opportunity
For Jean, the scholarship was nothing short of a lifeline.
Coming from a family with limited financial means, she faced challenges in pursuing higher education.
Speaking with One Sports, Jean reflected on the moment she learned of the scholarship opportunity through the PBA star.
“Unexpected, dahil hindi ko akalaing gagawin niya akong scholar, and honestly, sobrang nahihiya ako,” she recalled.
“My parents and I are so lucky to have a boss like him. He is very generous and he genuinely cared for me and my family,” Jean said of Newsome.
Jean’s journey wasn’t without its own set of challenges. As the eldest child, she carried the weight of her parents’ dreams to see one of their children graduate from college.
With both her parents working for Newsome, they had always placed high value on education but struggled to afford it.
“'Edukasyon lang ang mapapamana namin sa iyo,’ laging sinasabi ng parents ko sa akin. That's why I have passion and determination, but I lack the financial support to achieve my goal,” Jean said.
“I tried to take exams in public schools but did not pass. I thought that is the end of my education journey not until sir Chris offered my parents to support my college financially. This meant so much to me, and I really consider myself lucky.”
The scholarship opened doors Jean never thought possible.
While the initial agreement required Jean’s parents to cover her first-semester tuition, Newsome promised to fund the rest of her college education as long as she maintained good grades.
It was a promise that Jean took seriously, even though Newsome never pressured her to achieve the perfect scores.
“He [Chris Newsome] told me to always give my best in studying, and no matter what, he’s got my back,” she said.
“The coverage of the scholarship was only the tuition fee. Even though he is a busy person, he took the time to pay my tuition fee directly to the school.”
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More than just a degree
Jean’s college life wasn’t just about academics; it was a time of growth.
Thanks to the financial security provided by Newsome’s scholarship, she was able to explore other interests and opportunities, such as joining the New Era University Hip-Hop Varsity team.
“Sobrang grateful ako dahil sa scholarship na ito, maraming opportunities din ang pumasok sa akin,” Jean said.
“I became a member of the NEU Hiphop Varsity, at sumasali rin sa mga competition para ilaban ang school. Also, we have the Hataw Sayaw Competition every year, and I became a leader to represent our department. This is the first competition, and we won the championship.”
Through hard work and dedication, Jean’s efforts paid off and she eventually became the first college graduate in her family—a milestone that meant the world to her parents.
“Both of my parents hindi nakatungtong ng college. Since ako ang panganay, pinangarap nila na makapagtapos ako ng college at matulungan sila lalo na mga kapatid ko,” she said.
“Being the first degree holder of the family is a significant achievement. For me, this is my dream before I entered college at hindi ko mararanasan ang lahat ng ito kung hindi dahil sa scholarship ni sir Chris.”
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Paying it forward
Now that Jean has graduated, she is ready to take on the world. Currently working at Amazon MNL, she is eyeing opportunities within the company’s accounting department while also considering the possibility of working abroad.
For Jean, every step she takes is a step toward a better future for her family—a future made possible by the generosity of Chris Newsome.
“Honestly, wala akong specific na gustong gawin pero gusto ko lang is magsumikap at maging madiskarte sa buhay para ma provide lahat ng pangangailangan ng family ko,” Jean said.
“Ayoko kasi maranasan ng mga kapatid ko yung hirap na pinagdaanan ko. Gusto ko maranasan nila yung mga hindi pa nila nararanasan, like [mag]-out of town, kumain sa masarap na restaurant.”
“Simple lang pero alam ko sa ganitong paraan, mapapasaya ko sila. I hope someday kapag mayaman na ako, hindi ako magdadamot na tumulong sa iba lalo na kapag usapang pag-aaral.”
This mindset backs what Newsome shared to Jean about her getting her degree.
“I couldn’t be more proud and, you know, I’m excited to see how far she goes and the things that she’s gonna be able to do for herself and for her family and someday, she’s definitely going to pay it forward.”
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The ripple effect
The story of Chris Newsome and Jean is one of hope and opportunity. What began as a simple gesture of kindness has turned into a life-changing opportunity for Jean, and the ripple effect is just beginning.
For Newsome, this is only the start of what he hopes will be a lasting legacy of giving back to people.
“I’m happy to create that opportunity for someone. I’m blessed that they made it all the way through and for them to be where they’re at right now,” he said.
As Jean takes her first steps into the professional world, she does so with the knowledge that she carries the hopes and dreams of her family with her—a responsibility she embraces wholeheartedly.