After 18 seasons in the PBA, Mark Caguioa remained loyal with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
Now, the most senior member of Ginebra became the longest-tenured player in a single franchise, surpassing Alvin Patrimonio (Purefoods) and Harvey Carey (TNT) in the process.
Admitting that he's not even aware of the record, the 40-year-old Caguioa is nothing but grateful for the Ginebra faithful who had been by their side through the years.
Players and fans took to social media to congratulate Caguioa's latest achievement after Ginebra's 105-91 win against the Meralco Bolts at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center Sunday night, their third straight victory in the PBA Philippine Cup.
In an Instagram Story reposted by teammate Aljon Mariano, fans awaited for the squad to board the bus back to Quest Hotel in Mimosa.
One fan was screaming at the top of her lungs, congratulating the team for the win and Caguioa, who entered the court with 6:35 left and finished with two points and two rebounds.
Mariano, Jared Dillinger, Prince Caperal, Jeff Chan and LA Tenorio were among the Ginebra players who showered Caguioa with Instagram greetings.
"Mad respect to this legend! 18 yrs with Ginebra franchise," wrote Caperal in his Instagram Story.
While select sports scribes were interviewing the man known as "The Spark," Tenorio had a proud teammate moment for Caguiao.
"Mga kabarangay, great team win tonight and salamat sa inyong suporta. And congratulations to Mark "The Spark." 18 seasons in one franchise!" said Tenorio.
Magnolia's Paul Lee and NorthPort's Paulo Taha also extended their congratulations for the 2001 Rookie of the Year awardee.
Only time will tell when he's going to hang his jersey for good, but Caguioa has a lot of reasons to keep playing in the league he had embraced for 18 years.