Aces honored in Alaska grand rites

MANILA, Philippines - Past and present players of the Alaska Aces will be honored in the 25th Anniversary Grand Reunion today, which formally kicks off the year-long celebration of the Alaska Aces’ pursuit of excellence and success in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The event also serves as occasion for members of the Alaska organization to reminisce and remember the best of times with the team.

One of the highlights of the event will be the formal retirement of the jersey numbers of Johnny Abarrientos and Bong Hawkins as well as awarding of championship rings to every member of the team after winning the championship last conference.

A total of 117 local players and 35 imports have donned the Alaska Aces, Alaska Milk or Hills Bros jersey.

Former resident import Sean Chambers says his most cherished memories were about the Grand Slam in 1996 when Alaska won all three PBA titles up for grabs.

The Grand Slam was the best, said Chambers. “Many did not know it but I suffered a serious ankle injury after Game 2 in the third conference final and we still won we said.”

The former Alaska import also recalled with fondness winning his first PBA title in 1991 against Ginebra.

Anytime you beat a (Robert) Jaworski team is a big deal, said Chambers. I would say that was the most rewarding. We were young. We beat the Ginebra team of former Los Angeles Lakers Wes Matthews.

The Alaska-Ginebra rivalry was at its height at the time. Alaska won its share of titles with Chambers returning regularly to power the Aces. He developed close ties with his teammates and the Alaska management and staff.

Every teammate I played with treated me as a brother or family member, said Chambers. It was an honor for me to be accepted in this manner by my Pinoy teammates. Abet Guidaben started the trend of treating me as one their own. I love Abet.

Chambers played as an import for Alaska for a record number of 11 years. He is now a vice-principal at a middle school in Sacramento.

Other former Alaska players are equally excited. Alejo Alolor, who now works as a ramp serviceman of United Airlines at the San Francisco International Airport says he is doing everything to make sure he attends the reunion.

Like all other former members of the team Alolor says he always felt like a member of a family with Alaska.

After my retirement I went to the States to find a new life, said Alolor. I miss my teammates and the Alaska management as well. They were always nice to us players. They always gave us good bonuses. I am trying my best to attend the reunion. God Bless my teammates and everybody with Alaska.

Alolor played for the Alaska Milkmen and the Hills Bros Coffee from 1986 to 1988. He was a rugged defender at the off guard and small forward spot who was quick enough to chase after perimeter players and strong enough to defend the post.

Former Alaska forward and now businessman Woodrow Balani also confirmed his participation in the reunion. Balani has a contracting business in Bicol. He says he never won a championship with Alaska but will nevertheless never forget his time with the team.

We always played our best, said Balani. We had good bonding and relied on teamwork during games. I miss my teammates who passed away: Arnie Tuadles , Rey Cuenco and Teddy Alfarero.

Longtime Alaska Aces fan and supporter Gary Valenciano will perform as well.

Alaska was the first PBA team to retire player jerseys and hand out championships rings. Other players who have had their jerseys retired are Bogs Adornado, Chambers, assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa and most recently, Jeff Cariaso.

The year-long celebration comes on the heels of the Aces winning the 2010 Fiesta Conference title which is their 13th title in 24 years of participation in the PBA.