On the day that the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok got their first win following a huge victory against the Phoenix LPG Super Fuel Masters in the 46th PBA Season Philippine Cup, former player Marc Pingris was doing his own shooting the same day.
Well, not shooting hoops at a basketball court but shooting a commercial for a food product.
“May ginagawa kasi akong commercial, tapos late na din natapos,” Pingris told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview Sunday, July 18. “Hindi ko nga napanood ang game pero kung may time sa susunod manood ako.”
Magnolia won its opening game 80-73 against Phoenix last Saturday, July 17 at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City. New recruit Calvin Abueva had 26 points and 10 boards while Paul Lee added 21 points.
A native of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan, Pingris decided to retire in late May after an illustrious 16-year career, majority of which he spent with the Purefoods franchise of giant food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corporation.
A 15-time All-Star and two-time Final Most Valuable Player, Pingris won eight of nine championships with the team, including a Grand Slam in 2014 with James Yap and coach Tim Cone.
Pingris also played one season for San Miguel Beer where he bagged a title during the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup. Known in the PBA by his moniker “Pinoy Sakuragi”, the 6-foot-4 former Gilas Pilipinas standout had career averages of 7.6 points and 7.3 rebounds.
Pingris has said that he is open to coaching, as he wants to give back and teach the young players what he learned in his playing career.
He said that he is willing to join a coaching staff, either in the PBA, collegiate level or even the national team as long as he would be able to teach –particularly the young big guys.
For now, he is working on his style. Not style of play, but style of acting in front of the camera.
“Sa commercial muna tayo. May mga ilan din kasi akong ginagawa now (commercial). May mga nagtatanong nga kung gusto ko ba na artista, kaso iniisip ko kung bagay ba ako dun,” said Pingris – husband of actress and TV host Danica Sotto – laughing.