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Tag: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

  • Justin Brownlee erupts for 40 to fuel Ginebra’s statement victory over Rain or Shine

    Justin Brownlee erupts for 40 to fuel Ginebra’s statement victory over Rain or Shine

    Barangay Ginebra didn’t just win on Sunday—they reset the tone of their campaign.

     

    Coming off a humbling 112-91 defeat to Meralco that snapped their five-game surge, the Gin Kings returned with purpose, overwhelming Rain or Shine, 114-90. 


    The bounce-back victory pushed Ginebra to an 8-3 record, pulling them level with the Elasto Painters for second place and edging them closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    At the center of it all was Justin Brownlee, who once again proved why he remains the league’s gold standard for imports. 

     

    He poured in 40 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks—but more importantly, he set the emotional tempo. This time, though, he wasn’t alone.

     

    Brownlee knocked down six of Ginebra’s 21 three-pointers, leading a long-range assault that came within two of the league’s record 23 triples set by Rain or Shine just weeks earlier. But unlike previous games where he carried the bulk of the scoring, Sunday’s win showcased a more balanced attack.

     

    RJ Abarrientos orchestrated the offense masterfully with 23 points and 10 assists, while Scottie Thompson imposed his presence with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. 

     

    The bench delivered as well, with Ralph Cu adding 15 and Troy Rosario contributing 11—turning the contest into a collective statement rather than a one-man show.

     

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    The result wasn’t just about numbers—it was about response.

     

    “Friday’s game against Meralco, we were all feeling terrible about it but we were kinda due for a letdown. You never want them, especially from a coaching standpoint. That’s totally on the coaching staff,” head coach Tim Cone said.

     

    Ginebra’s answer to that setback was emphatic. Beyond the scoreboard, the victory extended their dominance over Rain or Shine, five straight wins and nine victories in their last 11 meetings dating back to the 2022 Philippine Cup.

     

    For the Elasto Painters, the loss highlighted a shift in momentum. After a blazing 7-0 start, they’ve now dropped three of their last four games. 

     

    Jaylen Johnson tried to steady the ship with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, but the early-season rhythm that once defined Rain or Shine has begun to fade.

     

    With the elimination round nearing its end, the stakes only grow sharper. Ginebra faces a high-profile test next against defending champions TNT Tropang 5G, reinforced by Bol Bol, on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena—a matchup that could shape playoff positioning. 

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine looks to halt its slide when it takes on the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on May 8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    If Sunday proved anything, its that Ginebra isn’t just chasing wins—they’re building momentum at the right time.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    There are losses that expose flaws—and then there are nights where the opponent simply can’t miss.

     

    For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Sunday fell into the latter.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao didn’t dwell on missed opportunities or tactical missteps after their 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Instead, he pointed to a reality that’s hard to counter in basketball—an opponent locked in from deep.

     

    Ginebra’s shooting display turned the game into a long uphill battle. The Gin Kings knocked down 21 shots from beyond the arc, flirting with the league record and finishing just two shy of the all-time mark. They shot an efficient 48 percent from three-point range and nearly 50 percent overall, converting 41 of their 83 attempts.

     

    “They shot really well. They made 21 three-point shots, that’s almost the record,” Guiao said. “They were two short of the record. It’s really hard to beat a team that is shooting that well.”

     

    It wasn’t just the volume—it was the consistency. Ginebra also capitalized inside and at the line, keeping their offensive rhythm steady throughout the game. On the other end, Rain or Shine struggled to match that efficiency, finishing at just 37 percent from the field.

     

    Yet despite the lopsided scoreline, the bigger picture remains unchanged.

     

    Rain or Shine’s early seven-game winning streak continues to serve as a cushion, allowing them to absorb setbacks without losing control of their playoff positioning. Even after dropping three of their last four games, the Elasto Painters still hold their fate in their own hands heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

     

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    “We are still chasing our ninth win. Hindi talaga para sa amin itong larong ito,” Guiao said.

    That ninth win carries significant weight. A victory in their final elimination game against Titan Ultra Giant Risers would secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, a crucial edge in the postseason.

     

    For Guiao, the approach moving forward is clear—no overreactions, just recalibration.

     

    “This is where you’re benefiting from yung good start. We had a seven-game winning streak. Now, we have a margin for error. We still have one game to take our ninth win and that’s against Titan.Hopefully, makabalik kami, win our ninth game and be assured of being in the Top Four,” he said.

    “After that, preparasyon na lang sa playoffs. We just have to move forward from this game. I don’t think we could have done anything on our side. Sabi ko nga, they shot the ball really well. On our side, we couldn’t execute the way we wanted to. I think we have to credit their defense. They played good defense on us. They really had a good game plan, executed it well. Ganun pa man, our record is still good. The only thing that is important to us is make nine wins, get a twice-to-beat, and then wait for your match-up and prepare for that. Yun lang gagawin namin,” Guiao added.

     

    In a long conference, not every loss carries the same weight. For Rain or Shine, this one feels more like a reminder than a setback—a night where the shots didn’t fall, the opponent couldn’t miss, and the real objective still lies ahead.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    In a game decided by the smallest of margins, Rain or Shine walked away not just with a loss—but with lingering questions.

     

    The Elasto Painters absorbed a painful 92-90 defeat to NLEX on Wednesday night in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, a result shaped as much by execution as it was by a pivotal decision in the closing minutes that left head coach Yeng Guiao visibly frustrated.

     

    With under two minutes to play and Rain or Shine clinging to an 87-86 lead, what looked like a momentum-shifting defensive play turned into a turning point of a different kind. Gian Mamuyac stripped Robert Bolick clean, igniting what could have been a transition opportunity. Instead, a whistle halted the play, calling a foul that Rain or Shine immediately contested.

     

    After a lengthy review, the challenge proved successful—Mamuyac’s foul was overturned. But the reversal didn’t restore what Rain or Shine felt it had already earned.

     

    Rather than awarding possession to the Elasto Painters, officials ruled a jump ball, wiping away what could have been a clear fastbreak situation. The sequence flipped the energy of the game, especially when NLEX secured the tip and Bolick drained a clutch four-pointer to seize a 90-87 advantage.

     

    For Guiao, the issue wasn’t just the call—it was the interpretation.

     

    “Ang alam ko, sa rules, pagka-successful ang challenge mo, kung ano yung pinakahuling incident or action, dapat doon mo pagbabasehan yung possesion,” Guiao said.

     

    “Ang consequence nun, naging loose ball, nakuha namin yung bola, tapos pina-jump ball nila. Tingin ko maling-mali yung interpretation na yun. It should have been our ball kasi kami ang maagrabyado. Actually, it could have been a fastbreak eh. Puwede naming i-fastbreak yun kasi turnover eh. Tinanggalan pa kami ng fastbreak,” said Guiao.

     

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    “I don’t know if they will review that pero tingin ko mali,” said Guiao.

     

    Still, the game didn’t end there—and Rain or Shine had chances to recover, Luis Villegas responded with a clutch basket to tie the game after Bolick’s four-pointer, keeping the Elasto Painters within striking distance. But in the final moments, missed opportunities proved costly.

     

    Jhonard Clarito came up empty on two crucial free throws, opening the door for NLEX’s JB Bahio to deliver the game-winner—a cold-blooded jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining.

     

    It was the kind of finish that leaves little room for what-ifs, yet Guiao couldn’t help but circle back to the possession that slipped away.

     

    “Sa ganitong laro, one possession is very important especially that possession can turn into a transition point para sa amin. Pero ganun lang talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    In the end, the box score will show a two-point loss. But for Rain or Shine, the night will be remembered for a single sequence—one that turned a potential advantage into a turning tide.

     

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  • Jhonard Clarito’s split-second decision looms large as Rain or Shine falls to NLEX

    Jhonard Clarito’s split-second decision looms large as Rain or Shine falls to NLEX

    Jhonard Clarito found himself at the center of that moment Wednesday night, as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters absorbed a 92-90 defeat to NLEX Road Warriors at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    A result that not only snapped their grip on the conference lead but also pulled both teams into a tie at 8-2 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings.

     

    Clarito isn’t hiding from it. With the game hanging in the balance, the bruising winger earned a trip to the line after a hard foul from Tony Semerad sent him crashing into the backstop. 

     

    The fall looked nasty, his back absorbing the impact before he slowly gathered himself. But instead of taking a moment longer to recover, Clarito stepped up.

     

    “Ang sabi nga ni Kuya Beau (Belga) sa akin kanina, dapat umupo ako roon sa ilalim ng ring, nagpahinga muna ako nang medyo matagal-tagal,” he said.

     

    It was a small decision—seconds, but one that would echo loudly. Both free throws missed.

    “Naging excited akong mag-free throw. ‘Yun nga, sa sobrang excited ang kinalabasan naman, nagmintis,” the 30-year-old Forward said. 

     

    That miss opened the door. And Robert Bolick made sure NLEX walked through it, threading a pass to JB Bahio, who calmly delivered the game-winning basket with 0.3 seconds left.

     

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    Just like that, the Elasto Painters went from control to collapse. Clarito, visibly shaken after the final buzzer, carried more than just the physical pain from his fall. Still, he refused to use it as an excuse.

     

    “Hindi naman. Focus lang talaga ako sa game kanina. Hindi talaga sumang-ayon sa amin yung pagkakataon, nung sumablay yung free throw ko,” he said.

     

    If anything, the moment revealed a player caught between instinct and patience—choosing to push forward rather than pause, even when his body suggested otherwise.

     

    Now, recovery becomes the immediate priority. Clarito admitted his back has been bothering him even before this game, dating back to their matchup against Magnolia.

     

    “Tumama doon sa gilid ng poste ng ring. Buti nga may foam, pero bumaon pa rin. Medyo masakit,” Clarito said.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss is both a setback and a reminder of how quickly control can slip away in tight contests. 

     

    Their next challenge comes soon, as they look to regroup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on May 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    And for Clarito, the path forward is just as clear—learn from the moment, live with the result, and be ready when the next one comes.

     

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  • “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    For Rain or Shine’s head coach Yeng Guiao, the end of a winning streak wasn’t a moment of frustration—it was simply part of the process.


    After guiding the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a blazing 7-0 start, Guiao watched his squad absorb its first loss, an 87-83 setback to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. The defeat trimmed their record to 7-1.

     

    “It was good while it lasted. Mangyayari naman talaga ’yon, mapuputol at some point. Also, it releases some pressure off us. Ang gusto lang talaga is makarating kami ng nine wins and secure the twice-to-beat. Of course, we like to win as much and as many as we can, but darating yung araw na maalat talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    Even during their unbeaten stretch, Guiao had repeatedly cautioned against getting too comfortable. That foresight showed as he treated the loss less as a setback and more as a recalibration point for a young, fast-paced roster that has thrived on momentum.

     

    Against Phoenix, Rain or Shine struggled to impose its usual tempo. A flurry of missed layups and turnovers allowed the Fuel Masters to seize control late, turning the game into one played on their terms.

     

    “Ganun talaga. Yung shift ng momentum, we couldn’t back our own momentum. Masyadong magkasunod yung mga missed layups and turnovers, one after another. Sila naman, pumasok yung mga tres nila at mga layups nila pumapasok din. We played a game that I felt more in their pace. Hindi namin nai-push yung bola,” the 66-year-old veteran coach explained.

     

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    Despite the stumble, the Elasto Painters remain in a strong position atop the standings. More importantly, Guiao’s focus hasn’t wavered from the bigger goal—securing a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.

     

    “We knew there was going to be a bad night one of these days. Mabuti, nakapagpundar na kami ng mga panalo. We don’t want to feel too bad about it. Because overall, we’re really okay. We’re still number one. We try to keep our objective, which is secure twice-to-beat,” he added.

     

    Rain or Shine also missed the services of Felix Lametti, who continues to recover from a left knee sprain. The Fil-Swedish guard had been averaging 11.29 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.43 rebounds prior to the injury, making his absence felt in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Still, Adrian Nocum stepped up with 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist in a losing effort.

    On the other side, Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 20 points, while James Dickey added 17 and Tyler Tio contributed 16 to complete the comeback win.

     

    With tougher matchups looming against Magnolia Hotshots, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Guiao’s calm demeanor could prove just as valuable as any winning streak.

    For Rain or Shine, the message from their coach is clear, the streak may be over but the bigger mission is just beginning.

     

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  • Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have stormed out of the gates in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, extending their unbeaten run to seven games with a 124–117 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, April 15, at the Ynares Center.

     

    Rain or Shine showcased its depth once again, with four players finishing in double figures. Adrian Asistio and Jhonard Johnson led the way with 18 points apiece, anchoring a balanced offensive attack that continues to fuel the team’s early dominance in the conference.

     

    Beyond the numbers, one of the game’s most engaging moments came from the spirited matchup between veteran Beau Belga and rookie Shawn Umali. The two big men traded highlights in the second quarter, with the 6-foot-3 Umali muscling his way to a one-handed scoop over the 39-year-old Belga. The veteran quickly answered back on the other end, knocking down a three-pointer in the next possession to the delight of the crowd.

     

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    Belga finished with six points on an efficient 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, along with two rebounds and two assists in limited minutes. Umali, for his part, contributed five points on a perfect 2-of-2 clip in 11 minutes of action.

     

    Despite the competitive exchange, Belga was all praise for the young Terrafirma big man after the game.

     

    “I just wish the guy a better career. Bata pa naman yun. E, ako halos pa-retiro na,” Belga said in a media interaction.

    The veteran admitted he sees similarities between himself and Umali, while noting the rookie’s physical edge.

     

    “Mas mataba pa ako dun. But the good thing with us ni JR, nadadala namin yung katawan namin. Kaya naming i-manage, hindi kami nai-injury kahit mabigat kami. Yun siguro yung naging advantage namin.

     

    “Kasi maraming nagsasabi sa iyo kapag ganun ang katawan mo hindi ka magtatagal sa liga. Sa tingin ko naman napatunayan ko naman yun. I have been in the league for 17 years with this type of body and nag-survive naman,” he added.

     

    Belga also highlighted Umali’s potential, pointing out the unique combination of size and mobility.

     

    “Ang advantage niya mabigat na siya, hefty siya, plus mabilis siya. He just has to manage kung anuman ang meron ka and make it an advantage and not a disadvantage. Hindi ko lang ulam kung paano niya i-manage yung katawan niya, how he works out, kung paano mo dalhin yung sarili mo sa professional league kasi yun ang puhunan namin, yung katawan,” Belga continued.

    True to his role as one of the league’s most respected veterans, Belga extended an open hand to the rookie.

     

    “Anything that will be good for his career. I will be happy to help, kasi hindi ko naman puwedeng sarilinin lang yung alam ko. I want to share it to anybody, I want kung sino man yung gustong matuto,” he concluded.

     

    Rain or Shine’s perfect start reflects not only its firepower but also its chemistry and depth, qualities that make the Elasto Painters early contenders in the Commissioner’s Cup. Meanwhile, the Belga–Umali exchange offered a compelling glimpse of the league’s generational transition—where seasoned veterans continue to set the standard while guiding the next wave of talent.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    There are nights when offense simply clicks—and then there are nights when it overwhelms everything.

     

    Rain or Shine delivered the latter. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters turned the game into a long-range exhibition, burying Terrafirma under a barrage of three-pointers en route to a 124-117 victory Wednesday night at the Ynares Center. But this wasn’t just about scoring—it was about how quickly the game slipped away.

     

    A single quarter changed everything. After a competitive start, Rain or Shine detonated for 41 points in the second period, stretching a manageable contest into a 67-45 halftime cushion. From there, control never wavered. The Elasto Painters weren’t just making shots—they were dictating the terms of the game, forcing Terrafirma to chase at a pace it couldn’t sustain.

     

    By the final buzzer, the damage had reached historic proportions. Rain or Shine knocked down 23 three-pointers, tying the PBA record for most in a single game. The milestone shot fittingly came late, with rookie Deo Cuajao drilling the equalizer with 25 seconds left—his basket both a footnote in history and the final dagger in Terrafirma’s late push.

     

    It was the kind of night where everything aligned offensively. Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the performance with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, orchestrating the attack with patience and precision. His final assist set up Cuajao’s record-tying three, capping off a performance that blended control with creativity.

     

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    Around him, the support came in waves. Anton Asistio sparked the decisive second-quarter run, pouring in 15 of his 18 points in that stretch alone while shooting efficiently from deep. Jun Roque added 15, while Adrian Nocum and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 13 and 11, respectively, as five players finished in double figures.

     

    At one point, the lead ballooned to 26. And yet, even in dominance, there were reminders of unfinished work.

     

    “Happy with the win, but we can’t relax on defense,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “We gave up 117 points. That’s not our standard. But when we’re making 23 from outside, we’re tough to beat.”

     

    That balance—between firepower and discipline—may ultimately define how far this team goes.

     

    On the other side, the Terrafirma Dyip showed flashes of resistance, particularly in the fourth quarter as the game slowed and the Elasto Painters dipped into their bench. But the deficit proved too steep to overcome.

     

    Mubashar Ali led the Dyip with a heavy 32-point, 19-rebound outing, though it came on high volume. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 21 points and seven assists, while Brent Paraiso and Joseph Eriobu provided support with solid all-around efforts.

     

    Still, the bigger picture remains concerning. After a promising 3-0 start, Terrafirma has now dropped four straight, slipping below .500 and searching for answers amid key absences.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine continues to surge. Seven games, seven wins—and now, a record matched.

     

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  • PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    Momentum can be a dangerous thing—especially when it’s on your side. Right now, no team is riding it better than the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and no player embodies that surge more than Adrian Nocum.

     

    Fresh off earning his second Player of the Week citation this conference, Nocum now finds himself at the forefront of Rain or Shine’s bid for a seventh straight win when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    But this isn’t just about extending a streak—it’s about sustaining a standard.

     

    At 6-0, the Elasto Painters have turned consistency into identity, stacking wins through depth, pace, and a system that thrives regardless of who takes the spotlight. Nocum just happens to be the one shining brightest at the moment.

     

    During the past week, the high-flying guard delivered when it mattered most—dropping a conference-high 21 points against San Miguel Beer, including 10 in the fourth quarter punctuated by two clutch triples that sealed the win. He followed that up with a timely performance during Gabe Norwood’s jersey retirement night, helping Rain or Shine maintain control en route to another victory.

     

    His overall numbers—16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—underscore his growing role as the team’s local anchor, blending energy plays with timely scoring.

     

    Still, for coach Yeng Guiao, the focus remains far from individual accolades. “Subukan namin kung hanggang saan umabot ang swerte namin,” said Guiao, downplaying the streak that has seen his squad take down powerhouse teams and even notch a 56-point demolition of Blackwater.

     

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    That mindset will be tested against a Terrafirma side eager to reset its campaign.

     

    The Dyip opened the conference with promise, racing to a 3-0 start before stumbling into a three-game skid that has exposed gaps in both execution and consistency.

     

     Losses to Phoenix, Magnolia, and TNT have cooled what was once a red-hot run, leaving them searching for answers midway through the eliminations. And yet, Guiao isn’t buying into the narrative of a struggling opponent.

     

    “We don’t want to underestimate them. They’re very dangerous. We want to come in mentally prepared,” he said.

     

    The matchup presents a contrast in rhythm.Rain or Shine thrives on waves—rotating fresh bodies, pushing tempo, and wearing opponents down over 48 minutes. Terrafirma, on the other hand, is still trying to rediscover the cohesion that fueled its early success.

     

    The import battle adds another layer. Jaylen Johnson continues to sync seamlessly with the Elasto Painters’ system, while Terrafirma’s Mubashar Ali has delivered solid numbers but is still searching for consistent support from the locals.

     

    In many ways, Wednesday’s game is a test of staying power. Can Rain or Shine keep its foot on the gas and move closer to a twice-to-beat incentive? Or will Terrafirma find enough resolve to disrupt the league’s hottest team?

     

    For now, the edge belongs to momentum—and to a Player of the Week who’s helping turn it into something bigger.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao warns against complacency amid Rain or Shine’s unbeaten start in the Commissioner’s Cup

    Yeng Guiao warns against complacency amid Rain or Shine’s unbeaten start in the Commissioner’s Cup

    The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have emerged as one of the early stories of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, storming out of the gates with a flawless 6–0 record. The hot start not only places them firmly atop the standings but also marks the best opening in franchise history, signaling a team that may finally be ready to contend at the highest level.

     

    Despite the impressive run, veteran head coach Yeng Guiao remains grounded, cautioning his squad against the dangers of overconfidence. Known for his disciplined and no-nonsense approach, Guiao emphasized that sustaining success requires constant vigilance—especially in a league as competitive as the PBA.

     

    “That’s always the fear of coaches especially if you are on a winning streak. Magbabanty ka rin kung hanggang kailan ito. So we just try to be consistent with what we do, and what we do in practice,” Guiao said in a media interaction.

     

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    Rain or Shine’s unblemished start has been built on resilience and cohesion, traits that have developed over time. Guiao pointed out that the team’s core has been together for several seasons, steadily gaining experience through multiple deep playoff runs. The Elasto Painters have reached the semifinals in four of the last five conferences, a stretch that has helped shape their identity and composure in high-pressure situations.

    “It takes years to mature. We have been making the semifinals four out of the last five conferences, and I think that’s part of the maturity already. Although wala pa kami dun ngayon, palagay ko malaking tulong yung experience na yun,” he added.

     

    That maturity has already been put to the test early in the conference. Rain or Shine pulled off remarkable comeback victories against powerhouse squads like the San Miguel Beermen and the Converge FiberXers, overcoming deficits of more than 20 points in both contests. Such performances underscore not just talent, but a growing belief within the roster that no game is out of reach.

     

    For Guiao, however, these wins are not signs of overnight success but rather the result of a long and deliberate process.

     

    “Hindi ka naman bigla-biglang gagaling na lang. There’s a process to it, and we are just going through that process,” Guiao concluded.

     

    As the Elasto Painters prepare for their next assignment, the focus remains on consistency rather than milestones. They will look to extend their winning streak to seven when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, April 15, at the Ynares Center.

     

     

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  • Gabe Norwood’s one-team legacy sets the benchmark for Rain or Shine

    Gabe Norwood’s one-team legacy sets the benchmark for Rain or Shine

    For most athletes, a long career is often marked by change—new teams, new systems, new identities. But for Gabe Norwood, the story unfolded differently. When Rain or Shine raised his No. 5 jersey to the rafters last April 10, it was the recognition of a player who never needed to look elsewhere to define his legacy. 


    From the moment he was selected first overall in the 2008 PBA Draft, Norwood built something rare in modern basketball: a career rooted entirely in one franchise.

     

    Through 17 years, Norwood evolved into the embodiment of Rain or Shine’s identity.

     

    From winning Rookie of the Year in 2009 to anchoring the team’s championship runs in 2012 and 2016, his impact stretched far beyond the stat sheet. It was a career built on discipline, highlighted by multiple All-Defensive Team selections, sportsmanship awards, and All-Star appearances—proof of a player who valued substance over spotlight.

     

    “Rain or Shine never gave me any reason that would make me want to leave. I like being the underdog, you know, I kind of help my team score wins. That’s the story of my life,” Norwood said.

    Even as opportunities to leave surfaced over the years, Norwood remained unmoved. In an era where player movement is often seen as a pathway to greater success, he chose stability over speculation.

     

    “You would hear rumors. Naturally you would hear trade rumors. But I trusted my agent,” he said.

     

    “I didn’t want to breathe too much life into things that won’t work for sure. So my agent didn’t come back with anything,” he added.

     

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    Looking back, it becomes clear that Norwood didn’t just stay—he belonged. His comfort in the underdog role mirrored the very teams he once played for, from his early days to his professional peak.

     

    It’s no coincidence that his career aligned so naturally with the franchise’s rise; both grew and succeeded by embracing the same identity.

     

    For head coach Yeng Guiao, Norwood’s significance goes beyond championships or individual honors. He represents a timeline—a defining presence that separates eras of the franchise.

     

    “Just appropriate recognition and honor for Gabe Norwood. Ang history ng Rain or Shine ay Norwood era and post-Norwood era. Parang ‘yan yung kwento ng Rain or Shine ngayon eh. So naging marker siya ng kwento ng franchise ng Rain or Shine,” Guiao said last Wednesday.

     

    Held during halftime of Rain or Shine’s matchup against Converge at the Mall of Asia Arena, the ceremony served as both a tribute and a turning point. As the jersey rose, it marked the end of one chapter—but also cemented a legacy that future generations of the franchise will inevitably be measured against.

     

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