Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 15) — The players of familiar foes Barangay Ginebra and Meralco are getting a much-needed breather as they head to the pivotal Game Five of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-seven finals.
With the league on a Holy Week break, players are using the opportunity not just to rest and recuperate, but to also nurture their faith in God.
“Napaka importante ng break na ito especially sa team namin sa Ginebra at sa mga players na heavy minutes ang nilalaro. This is an opportunity for us to rest our bodies kung may mga injuries, especially kay Japeth (Aguilar) na malaking bagay na maging part na talaga ng rotation,” said PBA “Iron Man” LA Tenorio.
[Translation: This break is very important especially for our team Ginebra and for players who play heavy minutes. This is an opportunity for us to rest our bodies if there are injuries, especially for Japeth who we really want to be part of our rotation.]
“But more than anything, this is the time and opportunity for us to reflect and be solemn together with the family,” he added.
Tenorio also shared that he and his family went to various churches on Maundy Thursday for their practice of the Visita Iglesia tradition.
For 2020 PBA Outstanding Rookie Aaron Black, the Holy Week break is a crucial time for the Meralco Bolts to recharge ahead of the crucial Game 5 on Easter Sunday, with the series tied at 2-2.
“It’s a big game so we definitely want to get that to have an advantage in the series. I’m definitely praying for a win in this series and hopefully we get our first championship for our franchise,” said the second-generation player.
Meralco’s American-born Panamanian import Tony Bishop likewise expressed his sense of spirituality.
“Despite the ups and downs, for me right now it’s just about rest and recovery and getting closer to God and praying daily,” he said.
“I pray for my teammates and myself who’s going through aches and pains and injuries so we can continue to fight hard and give it everything that we have,” he added.
This is the fourth time in six years that the two teams are facing each other in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals, with the Gin Kings winning all their previous encounters in 2016, 2017, and 2019.
Both teams are eyeing to gain the upper hand come Game 5 of the series set this Sunday, 6:30pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
