MANILA, Philippines — There were plenty of ways to describe Derrick Rose’s game during his NBA prime.
Explosive, unstoppable, and electrifying come to mind.
But before the noise, the speed, and the explosive drives, Rose made sure he was calm and ready for every battle.
He found peace and quiet in the music of reggae icon Bob Marley.
“It may be weird, but I listen to Bob Marley,” Rose said during his first visit to Cebu in August, when he returned to the Philippines with ArenaPlus, the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines.
The visit marked Rose’s fifth trip to the Philippines and his third as an ArenaPlus ambassador in less than a year, highlighted by Rose Meets the Queen: Derrick Rose in Cebu at SM Seaside City Cebu.
The event brought Rose closer to Cebuano basketball fans as part of ArenaPlus’ continuing efforts to bring major sports personalities and experiences to communities beyond Metro Manila.
‘Calm warrior state’
To say that Rose took the league by storm with his relentless style of play would be an understatement. Yet behind that intensity was a player who valued calm, with Marley’s music helping him find the balance he needed before stepping on the court.
“I’m a Bob Marley fan. I listen to a lot of Bob Marley,” the ArenaPlus ambassador said. “I remember once I made it to the league, figuring him out, listening to his music. His music to me felt like warrior chants. You know, like put me in a warrior state.”
“But a calm warrior state where I was able to go out there and be poised without being too amped or like too low,” the former Most Valuable Player (MVP) added.
Derrick Rose: ‘A Calm Warrior’
Rose’s career took off immediately after he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He won Rookie of the Year before becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history three years later at just 22 years old.
His career also brought difficult stretches that tested his ability to keep going. Through those moments, Rose said Marley’s music helped him find peace and regain the mindset he needed to return to the court.
“So his music kind of saved my career, I would say. Because I was able to find that peace of mind while I was on the table being stretched by the trainers,” Rose said of his pregame routine.
“Before I step on the court, he put me in a Shambhu state before I went out there,” he added.
“Positive Vibration,” in particular, was Rose’s go-to Marley song—much like the vibe he gave off to anyone who witnessed his game during his playing days.
About DigiPlus
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit www.digiplus.com.ph.
About ArenaPlus
ArenaPlus is the #1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features a wide range of local and international sports and continues to expand its presence through key partnerships across major leagues, including the NBA, PBA, and PVL.
ArenaPlus is committed to strengthening the sports community by supporting local athletes, highlighting their dedication and the hard work behind their journeys, and inspiring community pride.
