MVP inspires Bolts’ comeback

MANILA, Philippines — It’s not widely known that Meralco chairman/CEO Manny V. Pangilinan paid a visit to the Bolts’ practice gym and spoke to the team the day before Game Six of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra. The Bolts were down, 2-3, in the duel and one loss away from elimination.

MVP dropped by the gym after the Meralco stockholders meeting last Tuesday with Meralco Board of Directors member/PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, PBA Meralco governor Atty. Bill Pamintuan, Meralco CFO Betty Siy-Yap, Meralco supply chain chief officer Malu Alvendia, Meralco chief external and government affairs officer Atty. Arnel Casanova and MVP chief of staff Debbie Tan.

Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo said MVP’s visit was inspiring and delivered a lightning bolt of a boost. “MVP as always was vintage MVP and finds ways to help us,” said Trillo. “He went to our practice at the Meralco gym. MVP mentioned that we hadn’t beaten Ginebra in a best-of-seven series. A lot of words of encouragement and that we always aim for excellence. Sir Ricky, for his part, added that if we got Game Six, that would really turn it around for us and told the coaches to just focus on what had to be done to win.”

As it turned out, the Bolts bagged Game Six, 86-81, to level the series and force a Game Seven in San Jose, Batangas, last Friday. Meralco rose to the occasion and took the clincher, 78-69, to register its first-ever Game Seven win in PBA history.

“It was very gratifying for us,” said Trillo. “I’ve been with Meralco for 10 years now and our fifth Finals for me with the team. Always made it in an import conference but this Philippine Cup Finals is a testament to developing players from (team manager) Paolo’s (Trillo) drafting ever since coach Norman’s (Black) time and now, with me and coach Nenad (Vucinic) through the draft with Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge, Aaron Black, Brandon Bates, Jolo Mendoza, Chris Newsome, Anjo Caram and Alvin Pasaol.  Some through trades with Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, Kyle Pascual, Norbert Torres and Toto Jose and free agency with Chris Banchero, Diego Dario and Jansen Rios.”

Trillo said making it to the Last Dance of the Philippine Cup is a milestone. “The Philippine Cup to me is the most prestigious,” he said. “You can really say you are the best team in the Philippines if you win it.” Game One of the Finals is at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday and Meralco will face San Miguel Beer in a best-of-seven series to decide the King of the Roost.