Dubbed as the 'Magician' or the 'Magic Man' in the PBA, Ampalayo won Rookie of the Year honors in 1986 while suiting up for Ginebra San Miguel.
[1] Known for his pivot moves underneath the basket as well as adept three-point shooting, Dondon won three championships in eight seasons with Ginebra from 1986 to 1993.
A mid-season trade in 1993 saw Ampalayo's transfer to the Alaska Milkmen in exchange for Bobby Jose.
He played two more seasons with Alaska before persistent knee problems finally took its toll on him and cut short his career.
Dondon is now living in the United States with his wife Anne Pasco Ampalayo, and sons Aldreen and Zachary.