Over a week ago, Meralco claimed the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup throne after unseating its frequent occupant, the mighty, multi-titled San Miguel.
Like David battling Goliath, the Bolts were undaunted and determined despite the humongous task ahead, and were thus rewarded with their first-ever championship in the league after a 14-year long wait.
Finals Most Valuable Player Chris Newsome, Allein Maliksi, Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge and Brandon Bates talked to One Sports to provide an in-depth look on their Finals Game 6 clincher by sharing their own stories behind the photos of the crucial moments in the match.
Allein Maliksi (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photo by RM Chua)
Allein Maliksi: In Games 2, 3 and 4, my minutes were limited. Bong Quinto was playing well while I'm not hitting my shots. I had some lapses on defense. Coach Nenad (Vucinic, Meralco active consultant) was very strict [when it comes to that], so he's not playing me.
Then came Game 5, I focused on my defensive game plan. The moment he subbed me in, he drew a play for me and I made my first shot. I went for the rebound and hit another jumper which got me going. I was really aggressive and assertive on our offense because I wanted to get more opportunities and get more chances.
Come Game 6, I was so excited to play that I couldn’t sleep. I tried to sleep in the morning and the afternoon before the game, but I was just so excited.
In the game, my focus is to play defense and be aggressive on offense. But it depends where our attack points are, and it's okay because everyone was playing well. I told myself too that I can take anyone who’s going to guard me. My confidence was so high during Game 6.
Bong Quinto (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Bong Quinto: [My mindset during Game 6 was] to get our first championship. Kailangang maging smart at focused. Every possession ay importante. Ramdam ko naman na magtsa-champion kami. Before mag-start 'yung finals, pinag-pray ko talagang makuha namin 'yung championship.
Maraming signs na makukuha namin basta pagtrabahuan lang namin. Lalo na kapag San Miguel ang kalaban, hindi puwedeng mag-relax kasi babalik at babalik sila para manalo.
Chris Newsome (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Chris Newsome: Honestly, it all comes down to putting in the reps. Without putting in the reps, it’s hard to have the confidence to trust your abilities when the game is on the line. Something I’ve always believed in is trusting your work, because your work will tell you if you’re ready for certain situations or not.
Second, I gain confidence from my teammates. They see me putting in the work, so they understand that I’m ready for those situations. Whether I succeed or fail, they know how much time and effort I put into my craft. They continue to feed me confidence, even in times when I may not be confident in myself.
[ALSO READ: ‘I’M SO PROUD OF HIM’: CJ Perez tips hat off to new PBA champion and Finals MVP, Chris Newsome]
Lastly, having the courage to not be afraid of failure is what ultimately allows me to step up on the big moments and be okay with the results.
Cliff Hodge (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Cliff Hodge: I was really confident going into the finals series because we had just beaten Ginebra in a best-of-seven series [in the semis] after being down 2-3. That prepared us for anything we would see offensively and defensively.
Our coaches always had us prepared, and if we stayed focused and followed the game plan, we would always have a chance at winning each game.
We all knew it was going to be impossible to stop arguably the greatest ever to play in the PBA (June Mar Fajardo), but we wanted to make him bleed for every basket. The one thing we knew was that he played the entire game, and we had a committee of bigs who could do their fair share and play as hard as they can and be the next man up.
As the veteran for the bigs, I wanted to keep everyone focused on the game plan and keep everyone in a positive mind frame no matter what happens during the games. A lot of guys look up to me on the team. And if I could stay focused and positive, then they will follow my lead.
Brandon Bates (Art by Mitzi Solano; Game 6 dunk photos by RM Chua, Game 4 center photo by Sherwin Vardeleon)
Brandon Bates: The mindset going into Game 6 was the same as it was the whole series – execute the game plan as best as I could and play my role. I didn’t want to put any thought into any of the external storylines surrounding the series but just wanted to focus on playing one game at a time.
My emotions were a little all over the place because I was feeling so ill – I started feeling the flu around Game 4, but by Games 5 and 6 it had fully hit me – but I told myself that I just had to make it through 48 minutes and then I could rest.
[ALSO READ: Dream Chasers: Wearing his idol Larry Bird's jersey number, aspiring teacher Brandon Bates embraces career shift]
Going straight from [guarding] (Christian) Standhardinger and Japeth (Aguilar, bigs of Ginebra in the semifinals) to arguably the best player in the history of Philippine basketball (Fajardo), it was incredibly intimidating! But I thought the best way to look at it was that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.
It was an honor and a privilege to play against him (Fajardo), and I’m incredibly grateful to have gained that experience so early in my career.
But my mentality going into the series was that as amazing as he is, he’s also just human. So I knew I had to just perform my role when I was on the court and trust that my other teammates would step up which every single one of them did.
San Miguel seven-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo
Maliksi: Noong na-shoot ni June Mar 'yung three points, grabe, parang may kumuha sa kaluluwa ko. Bumagsak ang balikat ko. Parang gumuho ang mundo ko. During the timeout, I felt that all of us were shocked with how June Mar hit the three. I shouted, 'Positive lang tayo. Whatever happens, we still have overtime.'
Quinto: Sobrang bagsak-balikat talaga. Parang bumaliktad 'yung nangyari. Pero nagpaka-positive pa rin ako kasi may 3.3 seconds pa naman. Miss or made naman, may chance kasi overtime or panalo kami. So, positive lang and execution ng final play.
[ALSO READ: ‘Time ng Meralco mag-champion’: Seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo gracious in defeat as Bolts seize breakthrough PBA crown]
Newsome: The only thing going through my mind when he took this shot was, please don’t go in. And it went in. After that, my attention was immediately on the next play. Him making that shot did motivate me to want to try our best to win the game because there was still time on the clock. As long as there’s still time, anything can happen.
Hodge: When June Mar hit the shot, a lot of things were going through my mind. My turnover that caused the extra possession for San Miguel, how much time was left for us to get another shot off, all the heartbreaks from the past. Did he really just make a fadeaway three to tie the game? It’s over now. Focus on the next play and on winning a championship.
Bates: Truthfully, I didn’t even see this play. I was so on edge that I had my head down with a towel over it just because I couldn’t handle the stress. When we called the timeout, I had a chance to see the replay and my heart sank.
But honestly, I had complete faith in our coaching staff and vets that they would get a good play going. I had flashes of our win in Macau against Ryuku for the EASL (East Asia Super League) and believed it would happen like that again.
Meralco active consultant Nenad Vucinic and Chris Newsome (Art by Mitzi Solano; Vucinic Game 5 photo by Sherwin Vardeleon, Newsome Game 6 photo by RM Chua)
Newsome: During the moment that Coach Nenad drew up the play, my only concern was to try to get a good look. It wasn’t about making or missing a shot but giving us a chance. If you don’t even get an attempt at the basket or you turn the ball over then there’s no chance at all. So all we were looking for was a chance. He gave me the ball in one of my favorite spots and because I put the work in, I was prepared and confident to take that shot.
[ALSO READ: 'I feel very comfortable here': Meralco active consultant Nenad Vucinic shares Bolts, Philippine journey]
Hodge: The final play had a few options for that would go depending on how the defense would play us.
We know we wanted to get the ball to New (Newsome's nickname), and we were confident on him being able to deliver. I was the next option, so I was trying to convince myself that if the ball came to me, I will make the shot and win the game.
It's all about confidence and our team is confident in every single player that's out on the floor.
[ALSO READ: Double Charge: Meralco Bolts' Cliff Hodge with his first PBA championship and a baby]
Bates: In this final play, all my mind was focused on trying to get Allein open as much as possible. I had no other thought other than 'I have to set this screen so that we could get a good-looking shot.' So my mind was focused on setting a screen and putting myself in a position to secure a rebound if the shot missed.
There weren't any nerves or jitters because I didn’t have the mental space to allow it. Luckily, the pressure wasn’t really on me and New handled it like a true MVP should.
Chris Newsome drills in what would be the championship clincher for Meralco. (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photo by RM Chua)
Maliski: Actually, hindi ko nakita (how Newsome went for his jumper). I was going for the rebound if ever he missed it. Noong nakita ko sa net 'yung bola, tumalon na ako sa excitement.
Quinto: One stop na lang para sa championship. Inisip ko kaagad 'yung depensa kasi before that shot, naka-shoot muna si June Mar. So ako, nag-celebrate ako nang kaunti tapos ni-remind ko kaagad 'yung mga players na mag-focus para ma-stop 'yung last possession. And siyempre, I prayed to God na ibigay niya sa'min 'yung panalo.
Newsome: To be honest, the moment I realized the ball went in, I knew we were up, but I also knew the game wasn’t over yet. There was still time on the clock, so I knew it wasn’t the time to celebrate just yet. We still needed one more stop to get the win, so my mind was already focusing on the next play. Get one stop and the championship is ours.
Hodge: When he hit the shot, all I could think about is how much time is left and did we just win, because I didn’t know if we could celebrate or not. I looked up and there was still time left, so all I could think of is calming the guys down and focusing on getting one stop for the championship.
Bates: That’s a great photo! I remember I had set a screen for Allein to try and get him open while all that action was happening. So when the shot went up, it didn’t even fully register.
But once it went in, I felt a rush of excitement. [Though] I tried to contain it because there was still 1.3 seconds left. So it was extreme excitement followed by 'Oh, shoot! I have to contain myself because there’s still so much time left!'
Allein Maliksi celebrates Chris Newsome's clutch basket. (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Maliksi: I was so hyped after New hit the go-ahead basket, but he is still locked in and not yet in a celebratory mood because there’s still time left. I just celebrated Newsome's shot because it was big for us. Then San Miguel called for timeout. I was still nervous that they might hit a game-winner.
Newsome: I was definitely locked in. I knew how close we were to winning the championship and didn’t want to let my guard down because we’ve had so many heartbreaks in the past that came at the last second. So to avoid that at all cost, it was crucial that we remain focused until the very end.
My being leader of the team, I always feel that it starts with me, and I have to lead by example. It all really comes down to understanding the situation and being able to execute down to the very last second. Once the game is done, you have all the time you want to celebrate. But in this exact moment, the game was not yet done.
Meralco is champion for the first time. (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Maliksi: The moment June Mar missed his last shot [for San Miguel], I was ecstatic. I was jumping in happiness. I hugged my teammates.
Then I stopped in the middle of the court, held on to my knees and cried by myself. I kneeled down and I was still crying, thinking of all those years of heartbreaks, and all the hard work and sacrifices I put in day in and day out to finally get this championship for myself, for my family and for the organization of Meralco.
We finally got one. We earned this and worked hard for this. And this championship is one hell of a journey for us. Finally, I earned one for myself: My dream of winning a championship where I am playing a big role for my team. It was so fulfilling. We finally got [a title] for Meralco, a historic and memorable one.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Allein Maliksi savors ‘sweetest’ championship with Meralco]
We celebrate and cherish this. This is something special. A journey that can be written as an inspiration to everyone. One of the best stories that can be [shared]. We made it. We finally made it. We can call ourselves champions.
Chris Newsome finally lets out his emotions. (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Newsome: For me, this moment was about the fans. We had so many fans there supporting us. many of them have seen us fail time and time again. So in this moment, it was about sharing a moment of triumph with all our fans and supporters who have been there for us through all the ups and downs. Allowing them to feel the moment and show them that when they truly believe, anything is possible.
During the moment, it was just sharing the feeling of accomplishment with my teammates. This was what we envisioned and to see it actually manifest felt so surreal. I was just really happy for all of my teammates because I knew what it truly meant to each and every one of them. I also knew exactly how this one moment would impact them and their families lives forever.
Chris Newsome earns Finals Most Valuable Player honors. (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
It’s a great feeling to be recognized for my efforts, but without my teammates, this would have never been possible. To me, my team is full of MVPs and many of them go unnoticed. So my MVP award is just a representation of everybody and how resilient we are as an organization.
Quinto: Sobrang blessed and thankful sa Panginoon dahil finally, sinagot niya ang prayers kong mag-champion kami.
[I thought of] my wife, my Mama and my Dad (he lost his father in 2020), mga kapatid ko and mga pamangkin. Para sa kanila lahat ng ginagawa ko. Dream ko na 'to bata pa lang ako. Kaya pasalamat ako sa Panginoon sa tagumpay na ibinigay niya sa akin.
Finally, after 14 years ng franchise, nakuha namin 'yung championship. Para sa akin naman, five years and six months, nakuha ko first championship ko. Sobrang saya na makita ang bawat isang maabot ang mga pangarap namin. Sobrang saya lang sa feeling na nakatulong ako sa unang championship ng Meralco.
Sobrang proud ako sa nagawa namin. Hanggang ngayon hindi ako makapaniwalang champion na kami.
Simula pa ng career ko, sinabihan na ako ng Papa ko na magtsa-champion ako sa PBA. So from the start pa lang, kasama ko na ang Papa ko sa buong career ko. Wala man siya ngayon, alam kong sobrang saya niya for me. Bitbit ko lahat ng mga pangaral ng magulang ko lalo na ng Papa ko. Para sa kanya 'tong championship na 'to.
One for the books. (Art by Mitzi Solano; Photos by RM Chua)
Hodge: When the buzzer sounded, it was surreal. I couldn’t believe that I have finally accomplished my one goal that I set for myself at the start of my career.
People said it was impossible and that it would never happen. All the hard work, long nights, all the sacrifices, all the blood sweat and tears, all led to the culmination of this one moment. Let me be the first to say that it was all worth it and I wouldn't change a thing. One of the happiest and best days of my life. Honestly, I loved the feeling so much.
Bates: It felt incredibly gratifying, not just for me but for all the veterans on the team who had worked so hard for so long. This trophy wasn’t for me, it was for the veterans like Cliff, Anjo (Caram) and New who had worked so hard for so long and fallen just short so many times. I can’t imagine having to endure so much heartbreak for so long. But I saw everyday how much work those guys put in, so it was incredibly inspiring to have them as my veterans.
[ALSO READ: The Philippine Cup will always be the PBA's saving grace]
I’m so glad I wasn’t the only rookie to achieve this either. It was awesome to have another rookie experiencing it with me in Jolo Mendoza. It has helped build a sense of camaraderie because we experienced the same things together.
Overall, it was well earned by everyone on the team and I’m so glad I was able to experience it with such an amazing group of people. Hopefully, it’s the first of many!