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Tag: Gian Mamuyac

  • Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac’s adjustment period with the Phoenix Fuel Masters may still be ongoing, but his latest performance showed why the team remains confident that a bigger role is waiting for him.


    After struggling to find consistency following his trade from Rain or Shine, Mamuyac delivered his most productive outing in a Phoenix uniform, scoring 18 points and adding two rebounds in the Fuel Masters’ 102-92 victory over the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The breakout performance arrived at a crucial moment for both player and team. Through his first three games with Phoenix, Mamuyac averaged only 8.7 points, but his aggressive showing against Blackwater provided a glimpse of the offensive spark the Fuel Masters hoped to unlock when they acquired him.

     

    Still, Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu knows that one strong performance does not erase the challenges of adapting to a new system.

     

    “Kulang pa (sa adjustment sa team), but we just have practice time with him before the game and I think that mattered a bit. He still has to figure things out and I’m also trying to figure him out in terms of rotation changing game by game,” Tiu admitted.

     

    While Mamuyac continues learning Phoenix’s system, his impact is already becoming noticeable. 

    In just his fourth Governors’ Cup appearance, the former Rain or Shine forward has raised his averages to 12.00 points and 6.00 rebounds per game, showing his ability to contribute beyond scoring.

     

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    His emergence also adds another weapon to a Phoenix squad that has built momentum through balanced production. Jason Perkins remained the team’s offensive leader against Blackwater, exploding for 25 points while adding six rebounds and one assist to help secure the victory.

     

    The win further highlighted Phoenix’s unexpected climb in Group B. The Fuel Masters improved to a 4-1 record, placing them on top of the standings and establishing themselves as one of the conference’s early surprises.

     

    Phoenix’s recent success has also reflected the team’s emphasis on developing a competitive young core while maximizing the contributions of established players. In previous PBA campaigns, the Fuel Masters have relied on strong performances from players such as Perkins and emerging talents to build their identity as a resilient squad capable of competing with deeper teams.

     

    For Mamuyac and his squad, the next challenge is turning a breakthrough night into sustained production. With Phoenix aiming to maintain its position at the top of Group B, every game becomes another opportunity for him to grow more comfortable in his new environment.

     

    The Fuel Masters will face Blackwater again on August 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving Mamuyac another chance to prove that his latest performance was not just a one-game surge but the start of a bigger contribution to Phoenix’s campaign.

     

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  • Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    For Beau Belga, Rain or Shine’s recent trade of Gian Mamuyac was more than just another roster move—it meant saying goodbye to someone he had come to treat like family.

     

    Having spent four seasons together with the Elasto Painters, Belga admitted that Mamuyac’s departure to Phoenix Super LPG left an emotional void inside the team, even if he understands that trades are simply part of life in the PBA.

     

    “Malalim pinagsamahan namin,” the veteran forward said. “That kid is very close sa akin.”

    The trade sent Mamuyac, along with a Season 53 second-round pick, to the Fuel Masters in exchange for Phoenix’s first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    Just days later, the two sides met for the first time since the deal, with Rain or Shine coming away with a 105-98 victory over Phoenix. While the game marked Mamuyac’s first matchup against the franchise that drafted him, it also became a reunion with teammates who had shared the court—and the locker room—with him for years.

     

    Before tip-off, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao even joked that Belga had requested to be on the floor whenever Mamuyac checked into the game, just to match up against his former teammate.

     

    The veteran, however, never got that opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout the contest.

     

    Instead, Belga settled for another kind of interaction—one that reflected the friendship they had built long before the trade became official.

     

    He revealed that, looking back, he had unknowingly been teasing Mamuyac during practices in the days leading up to the deal.

     

    “Binibiro ko nga siya the past few days before he got traded. Parang out of nowhere, bigla ko na lang kinakanti. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya pala sinasaktan na kita kasi mate-trade ka na.’ ‘Yun ang biro ko sa kanya. Sabi niya, ‘Oo nga, bakit mo ako sinasaktan nung mga nakaraang araw,’” Belga said.

     

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    Even after the final buzzer, the playful relationship remained unchanged.

     

    Belga was seen jokingly throwing a knee toward Mamuyac before pulling him toward the Rain or Shine bench, drawing laughs from those nearby and showing that while uniforms may change, friendships do not.

     

    “I’m really close to everybody in this team,” Belga said. “Kumbaga masakit na mawalan ka ng teammate na close sayo but that’s how life is sa PBA.”

     

    Belga knows that reality better than most.

     

    Before finding a long-term home with Rain or Shine, the 39-year-old went through multiple trades himself. Those experiences helped him understand that player movement is part of the business, even when emotions are involved.

     

    Rather than dwelling on Mamuyac’s exit, Belga chose to remember everything the former team captain brought to the franchise, particularly the leadership he displayed during his four-year stay.

     

    “Maganda pinagsamahan namin ni Gian. Nothing to be like sasama ang loob. Magkasama kami matagal. Kami nag-draft sa kanya. Walang masamang tinapay. And that’s how life is sa PBA.”

    “Eh ako, bago ako nag-settle sa Rain or Shine, tatlong beses ako na-trade. Walang masamang tinapay sa kanya,” Belga said.

     

    For Belga, the trade may have ended their partnership as teammates, but it did nothing to change the respect and friendship they built over the years.

     

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  • Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac’s first game against his former team ended in disappointment as the Phoenix Fuel Masters absorbed their first loss of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, falling 105-98 to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday, July 21.


    Facing the franchise he represented for the past four seasons, Mamuyac logged 21 minutes and finished with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists. While the 27-year-old showed flashes of his trademark energy and versatility, his efforts were not enough to prevent Phoenix from suffering its first setback of the conference against a Rain or Shine squad that executed more efficiently down the stretch.

     

     

    Despite the emotional nature of the matchup, Mamuyac remained composed after the game, acknowledging that the Elasto Painters simply played the better brand of basketball on the night.

               

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    “Of course, it’s a different feeling because I have been with them for the last four years. They were the better team. Hopefully we will be better the next time we face them,” Mamuyac said.

     

     

    The contest marked Mamuyac’s first meeting with Rain or Shine since being traded to Phoenix just days earlier after contract negotiations between the two sides failed to produce a new agreement. The move ended a four-year stint with the Elasto Painters, where he established himself as one of the team’s most dependable two-way guards and became a key contributor under veteran head coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Although he now wears Phoenix colors, Mamuyac made it clear that his respect and appreciation for his former organization remain unchanged. Before tip-off, he took time to approach Guiao, exchanging greetings and wishing his longtime mentor well in a gesture that reflected the strong relationship they built throughout his stay with the franchise.


    “Off the court, we obviously have a good relationship. When I went to coach Yeng, I wished him good luck and blessed him to show my respect and he smiled back. And during the game, I can hear Kuya Beau shout something. But off the court, we have a good relationship,” he added.


    Those friendships, however, were put on hold once the opening whistle sounded. Mamuyac competed with the same intensity that characterized his years with Rain or Shine, but the Elasto Painters ultimately had enough firepower to fend off Phoenix and hand the Fuel Masters their first defeat of the conference.


    For Phoenix, the loss serves as an early test after a promising start to its Governors’ Cup campaign. With Mamuyac still adjusting to a new system and building chemistry with his teammates, the Fuel Masters remain optimistic that their performances will improve as the tournament progresses.


    Mamuyac echoed that optimism, expressing confidence that Phoenix will be in a stronger position should the two teams meet again later in the conference.

     

     

    The Fuel Masters will look to bounce back and return to the win column when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Rain or Shine aims to build on the momentum generated by its victory over one of the conference’s early contenders.

     

     

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  • Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Just days after being traded, Gian Mamuyac finds himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares to face the only PBA team he had ever known. But with the Phoenix Fuel Masters chasing a fourth straight victory, sentiment will have to take a backseat when they battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Tuesday.

     

    The matchup marks Mamuyac’s first game against the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the 2022 PBA Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s premier two-way guards. After spending four seasons with the Elasto Painters, the Ateneo standout was dealt to Phoenix in exchange for a future first-round pick, ending an era that few saw coming.

     

    While the emotions are inevitable, Mamuyac insists his focus remains on helping Phoenix continue its impressive start to the Governors’ Cup. The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, and the newest addition is eager to contribute to a team that has quickly emerged as one of the early contenders.

     

    “It’s definitely going to be different,” Mamuyac admitted ahead of the reunion, acknowledging that facing former teammates and coaches won’t be easy. Despite the familiarity, he expects no favors from the squad he once called home.

     

    That sentiment is shared by Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who coached Mamuyac throughout his PBA career. Known for his demanding style, Guiao joked that there would be no warm welcome for his former player once the opening tip is tossed. Instead, the veteran mentor promised the same physical, hard-nosed defense that has long defined the Elasto Painters.

     

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    Former teammates have also been quick to remind Mamuyac that friendships will be put on hold for 48 minutes. Some even teased the former team captain about making sure he earns every basket, a sign of the mutual respect built during their years together.

     

    For Phoenix, however, the timing of Mamuyac’s arrival couldn’t be better. The Fuel Masters have looked revitalized under head coach Charles Tiu, combining disciplined defense with balanced offense to race to a 3-0 record. Adding a versatile defender and proven playmaker like Mamuyac only strengthens a roster that has quickly become one of the league’s biggest surprises.

     

    Mamuyac’s familiarity with Rain or Shine’s system could also prove valuable. Having practiced under Guiao for years, he understands the Elasto Painters’ defensive schemes, tendencies, and personnel as well as anyone on the Phoenix roster. Still, he knows that knowledge alone won’t guarantee success against a team that prides itself on preparation and toughness.

     

    Beyond the tactical battle, Tuesday’s contest carries plenty of personal significance. Mamuyac recently posted a heartfelt farewell to Rain or Shine, thanking the organization, coaches, teammates, and fans for believing in him throughout his first four professional seasons. Now, he’ll stand on the opposite bench for the first time, hoping to begin a successful new chapter while honoring the memories he made with his former club.

     

    As Phoenix looks to stay unbeaten and Rain or Shine aims to spoil the Fuel Masters’ momentum, all eyes will be on Mamuyac. For one night, the former Elasto Painter becomes the opponent and one of the biggest storylines of the young PBA Governors’ Cup season.

     

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  • Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s 3-0 start in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup isn’t just being powered by strong performances on the floor. It’s also being driven by a reunion that has been more than a decade in the making.

     

    Long before they became PBA players, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac were simply teenagers sharing the same court during a Jr. NBA camp. Their basketball journeys eventually took them to different schools, different teams, and different careers, making a reunion seem increasingly unlikely.

     

    Now, fate has finally brought all three together under the Phoenix Fuel Masters banner.

    For Rivero, seeing a familiar face like Mamuyac arrive in Phoenix has made the team’s early success even more meaningful.

     

    “Me, Tyler and Gian, sabay-sabay kami ng Jr. NBA before. Ngayon ko lang sila nakasama since nag-Ateneo sila kaya I’m so excited,” Rivero said after collecting 16 points and Player of the Game honors in Phoenix’s 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    While Tio and Mamuyac went on to build their chemistry at Ateneo, Rivero carved out his own collegiate path with La Salle before transferring to the University of the Philippines.

    Their professional careers also unfolded separately.

     

    Tio and Mamuyac entered the PBA in the same rookie class in 2022, although the latter began his career with Rain or Shine. Rivero joined the league the following year as a Phoenix draft pick, leaving the trio still waiting for the chance to become teammates once again.

     

    That opportunity finally arrived when the Fuel Masters acquired Mamuyac in a blockbuster trade, completing a reunion years in the making.

    Rivero immediately reached out after learning about the deal, hoping they could finally chase bigger goals together.

     

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    “Masaya ako. Nung nalaman ko na trade si Mamu, nag-message ako agad sa kanya,” he said. “Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘let’s try our best.’ Kung kaya umabot ng Finals, aim for the best.”

     

    So far, Phoenix has looked every bit like a team benefiting from that renewed chemistry.

     

    The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, including a statement win over Barangay Ginebra in Mamuyac’s debut wearing a Phoenix uniform.

     

    But despite the perfect record, Rivero knows the bigger challenge still lies ahead.

     

    Their next matchup comes against Rain or Shine, giving Mamuyac an immediate chance to face the franchise where he spent the first four years of his PBA career.

     

    Rivero, meanwhile, is focused on making sure Phoenix’s fast start turns into something much more significant than just an unbeaten stretch.

     

    “Gusto lang namin makabawi since we ended the last conference very bad against Ginebra,” he said.

     

    “Sobrang saya lang sa feeling and minsan lang kami nakapag-ganito and never pa talaga yung 3-0. So why not make the most out of it and try to go 4-0 kung kaya?” Rivero continued.

     

    For three players whose friendship began long before the professional ranks, Phoenix’s early surge feels like more than just a winning streak. It is the first chapter of a reunion they had waited years to experience—and one they hope will end with the deepest playoff run of their careers.

     

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  • PBA: Is Phoenix finally ready to take the next step?

    PBA: Is Phoenix finally ready to take the next step?

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters are off to a perfect 3-0 start, and while many expected the usual title contenders to dominate the early headlines, it has been Charles Tiu’s young and energetic squad that has captured the attention of basketball fans.

     

    The question now is simple: Is Phoenix finally ready to make the leap from rebuilding franchise to legitimate contender?

     

    For years, the Fuel Masters have been assembling young talent through the draft, smart acquisitions, and player development. This conference may finally be the moment where all those pieces begin to fit together.


    One of the biggest reasons for the optimism is Phoenix’s newest acquisition.

     

    Just days after the conference began, the Fuel Masters acquired Gian Mamuyac from Rain or Shine in exchange for their Season 53 first-round draft pick, while also receiving Rain or Shine’s second-round selection. The trade came after Mamuyac and the Elasto Painters were unable to reach a contract extension, giving Phoenix the opportunity to add one of the league’s premier young two-way guards. 

     

    The former Ateneo standout, finished with 12 points, six assists, and six rebounds in his final game for the Elasto Painters before being shipped to the Fuel Masters. 

     

    Even before he has fully settled into the system, the former UAAP champion already looks like a perfect fit. His ability to defend opposing stars, create plays, attack the basket, and contribute as a reliable scorer gives Phoenix another dimension on both ends of the floor. More importantly, he brings valuable winning experience to an already promising roster.

     

    But Mamuyac isn’t the only “new” addition making an impact.

     

    The return of Kai Ballungay from injury almost feels like signing another star.

     

    The versatile 6-foot-7 forward provides everything modern basketball demands switchable defense, rebounding, athleticism, and the ability to stretch the floor. His presence immediately raises Phoenix’s ceiling, giving Coach Charles Tiu another versatile weapon capable of guarding multiple positions while fitting seamlessly into the team’s up-tempo style.

     

    Together, they strengthen what is arguably one of the most exciting young cores in the PBA.

     

    Jason Perkins remains the veteran anchor of the franchise and continues to perform at an All-Star level. Even when he isn’t leading the scoring column, Perkins commands enormous defensive attention, creating space for Phoenix’s younger players to attack. His gravity on offense makes life significantly easier for the Fuel Masters’ growing collection of playmakers.

     

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    It’s a roster built around length, versatility, athleticism, and multiple shot creators, a blueprint that mirrors many successful modern basketball teams.

     

    Of course, every contender still needs a dominant import, and Phoenix appears to have found exactly that in BJ Johnson.

     

    Through three games, Johnson has been spectacular, averaging 27.67 points, 9.67 rebounds, and 2.33 assists per game. His efficient scoring, ability to finish in transition, and veteran presence have perfectly complemented Phoenix’s fast-paced attack.

     

    More importantly, Johnson doesn’t need to dominate every possession. Instead, he allows the Fuel Masters’ young local core to grow alongside an experienced import capable of taking over whenever needed.

     

    Perhaps the most intriguing storyline, however, isn’t just the players it’s the man standing on the sidelines. Now, with arguably the deepest and most balanced roster he’s had since taking over Phoenix, this conference could become his biggest opportunity yet.

     

    Can Charles Tiu finally establish himself among the PBA’s elite coaches? A strong Governor’s Cup run would certainly strengthen that conversation. Phoenix’s style of play has also drawn comparisons to another independent franchise that recently climbed the league hierarchy.

     

    Can the Fuel Masters become this conference’s version of Rain or Shine?

     

    Like the Elasto Painters, Phoenix isn’t built around aging superstars or headline-grabbing veterans. Instead, they’re relying on youth, relentless pace, defensive versatility, and a system that empowers multiple players rather than one dominant scorer.

     

    That formula has already proven successful elsewhere. Now it’s Phoenix’s turn to see if they can follow the same path.

     

    But for the first time in quite a while, Phoenix isn’t simply viewed as a rebuilding team with potential. They’re beginning to look like a team capable of making real noise. Whether this hot start turns into a deep playoff run remains to be seen.

     

    One thing is certain, though the Fuel Masters have officially entered the conversation, and if this young core continues to develop under Charles Tiu, the rest of the PBA may soon discover that Phoenix is no longer just building for the future.

     

    The future may have already arrived.

     

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  • Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    One of the PBA’s longest-running contract standoffs has finally reached its conclusion.

     

    After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Gian Mamuyac’s future, Rain or Shine officially parted ways with the versatile guard, sending him and a Season 53 second-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Fuel Masters’ first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    The trade, approved by the PBA on Thursday, closes the chapter on Mamuyac’s four-year tenure with the Elasto Painters—the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the Season 47 Rookie Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s rising two-way guards.

     

    Titan Management Group, which represents Mamuyac, also confirmed the transaction.

     

    Rather than reaching a new agreement, both sides ultimately chose a fresh start after contract negotiations dragged on without a resolution heading into the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Although Rain or Shine retained Mamuyac’s rights through the league’s automatic extension rule for expiring contracts during the season, negotiations remained at a standstill until the trade provided an exit for both parties.

     

    Mamuyac now reunites with fellow Titan Management clients and former Ateneo standouts Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay at Phoenix, giving the Fuel Masters another proven backcourt piece as they continue reshaping their roster.

     

    His departure also marks the end of a productive run in Rain or Shine, where he emerged as one of the franchise’s most dependable young players alongside Adrian Nocum and Andrei Caracut.

     

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    Ironically, Mamuyac’s final appearance in an Elasto Painters uniform came only days before the trade became official. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 131-108 loss to Blackwater, unaware it would be his farewell game with the team.

     

    Even then, the 6-foot-2 guard made it clear that his preference was to remain with the organization he had come to regard as home.

     

    “Iba pa rin talaga yung maglaro para sa mga taong you consider as family. And ganyan kami sa Rain or Shine, close kami lahat diyan. Napamahal na ako sa lahat,” he said.

     

    “I really want to stay and hopefully, may mangyari na sa negotiations.”

     

    Instead, those words became his final public remarks as a Rain or Shine player.

     

    Now wearing Phoenix colors, Mamuyac gets the fresh opportunity both sides ultimately needed, while the Elasto Painters move forward with additional draft capital after bringing an end to one of the offseason’s most closely watched contract disputes.

     

     

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