Bolts staying hungry, dreaming, believing

MANILA, Philippines — The Meralco Bolts are poised to make the euphoria of their breakthrough PBA title fuel their desire to continue fighting and aiming for more.

Team governor Atty. Bill Pamintuan, speaking at Meralco’s victory celebration with fans Monday night at One Ayala Mall, said the Bolts are determined to prove their Philippine Cup milestone isn’t a one-off.

“May next Governors’ Cup (Season 49 opening conference), pinapangako namin sa inyo lahat ng players namin na nandito, lalaban ho ulit at babalik kami dito para mag-celebrate ulit,” Pamintuan said to applause from Meralco supporters and players.

The Bolts used the gathering to preach the values that helped them overcome several obstacles in this one-for-the-books golden run capped by a massive 4-2 dispatching of mighty holder San Miguel Beer in the finals.

“Lahat kayo lumalaban sa buhay. Gusto ko sabihin: Walang imposible,” said Meralco sniper Allein Maliksi.

“Andito kami para bigyan kayo ng inspirasyon na continue to chase your dream. Kasi ito, pinangarap namin na manalo, ‘yun nga, nakuha namin. We believed that it’s not impossible and we did it.”

Chris Newsome, the Finals MVP who famously sank the winning fade-away jumper in the dying seconds of their riveting 80-78 clincher last Sunday, echoed Maliksi’s message.

“You may go through tough times in your life, there may be times when you’re down but just understand that you need good people around you, a good support system,” said Newsome, who ended a nine-year wait to become a PBA champion.

“As you see, everyone here, we all support one another, we all believe in one another despite our accomplishments and our failures. We continue to lift each other up at all times. So I encourage you to keep good people around you, have a good support system and continue to believe that you can do anything you put your mind into.”