Mac Cardona Apologizes After Backlash Over ‘Aqua Training’ Remark
MAC CARDONA – The former PBA player has apologized to former Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin after receiving criticism for a social media post referencing “aqua training,” a term linked to the deaths of two Ateneo student-athletes.
Cardona issued his apology on Tuesday, saying he regretted making the joke and admitted that he should not have made such a remark. He also said he would accept how people judged him but wanted to move forward and live his life peacefully.
The controversy started when Cardona posted a video of himself walking through floodwaters along Gregorio Araneta Avenue while wearing basketball gear. He described the activity as “aqua training,” tagged Baldwin, and said the post was only for content.
The post drew strong criticism because of its connection to a June 8 tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora. Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia and Divine Adili died during an off-campus team-building activity that involved a water-related activity reportedly called “aqua training.”
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. However, the reference in Cardona’s post was viewed by many as insensitive because of the ongoing investigation and the loss suffered by the students’ families and the Ateneo community.
Sports media personality Ceej Tantengco-Malolos was among those who publicly criticized Cardona over the post. Other individuals also expressed their disappointment, adding to the backlash against the former PBA player.
Cardona later acknowledged the criticism and apologized to Baldwin. He expressed regret for making the joke and appeared to recognize that the reference was inappropriate given the circumstances.
The former PBA player’s apology comes as the controversy continues to draw attention online. While Cardona said he wants to move forward, the incident has sparked discussions about being careful with jokes and social media content, especially when they involve a recent tragedy and the loss of young lives.