Rain or Shine spent most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations proving it belonged among the league’s elite. Yet even after securing the No. 3 seed and a twice-to-beat advantage, the Elasto Painters still enter the playoffs carrying a familiar label — underdogs.
And for head coach Yeng Guiao, that is perfectly fine.
Standing in Rain or Shine’s path is a San Miguel side that may have finished lower in the standings but still carries the weight of championship pedigree, star power, and playoff experience. The Beermen, after all, remain the reigning Philippine Cup champions and appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time.
Instead of resisting the narrative, Guiao is leaning into it.
“We embrace the thought that we’re still considered the underdogs vs. SMB,” he said. “That’s been our whole identity ever since. We come to compete on Friday without doubt and hesitation that we have what it takes to win and get to the next level.”
Rain or Shine earned its twice-to-beat incentive the hard way.
Powered by its relentless pace and transition-heavy attack, the Elasto Painters stormed to a 9-3 record during the eliminations, including a statement 116-112 victory over San Miguel last April 8. At one point, Rain or Shine looked unstoppable, opening the conference with seven straight wins behind its aggressive, high-energy system.
But Guiao knows the version of San Miguel awaiting them in the playoffs is no longer the same team they faced weeks ago.
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When the two squads first met, the Beermen were still trying to stabilize their import situation with Justin Patton. Since then, San Miguel has turned back to Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who helped deliver a championship last season — and the results have immediately followed.
Boatwright’s arrival brought renewed offensive firepower and familiarity to the Beermen setup, helping San Miguel regain momentum heading into the postseason.
“We know it’s going to be tougher than our first meeting. Boatwright brings more scoring and chemistry to their team than Patton did when we first played them,” Guiao admitted.
That adjustment has transformed San Miguel back into a team capable of overwhelming opponents with experience, shot-making, and championship composure — qualities that make them a dangerous lower-seeded playoff team despite Rain or Shine’s advantage.
Still, the Elasto Painters believe their style gives them a real chance to challenge the Beermen.
Rain or Shine’s speed, depth, and willingness to push the pace have troubled even the league’s top contenders all conference long. And with two opportunities to secure a semifinal berth, Guiao hopes his squad can capitalize immediately rather than extend the series further against a seasoned powerhouse.
“We have two chances to get lucky against them. We hope we can deliver in our first attempt,” he said.
Now comes the real test for Rain or Shine — proving its breakthrough elimination run can survive the unforgiving pressure of playoff basketball against one of the PBA’s most battle-tested dynasties.
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