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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Toyota-Crispa: A PBA rivalry 50 years later

Toyota-Crispa: A PBA rivalry 50 years later

Published Oct 25, 2025 03:27 am

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Basketball Association turned 50 this year — a remarkable milestone. But beyond that, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the famed Toyota-Crispa rivalry, a clash between two powerhouse teams that pioneered and dominated the league from 1975 to 1983.
PBA champion coach Dante Silverio celebrated his 88th birthday last October 17 in Makati with former Toyota and Crispa players in attendance. (Brian Yalung photo)
PBA champion coach Dante Silverio celebrated his 88th birthday last October 17 in Makati with former Toyota and Crispa players in attendance. (Brian Yalung photo)
Beyond the Game 

Toyota-Crispa: A PBA rivalry 50 years later
By Brian Yalung
The Philippine Basketball Association turned 50 this year — a remarkable milestone. But beyond that, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the famed Toyota-Crispa rivalry, a clash between two powerhouse teams that pioneered and dominated the league from 1975 to 1983.
The first meeting between the Comets and the Redmanizers took place on May 10, 1975. Crispa won that matchup, 139-133, handing Toyota its first loss in the 1975 PBA First Conference.
A footnote to that game was an altercation involving Toyota’s Oscar Rocha and Crispa’s Bernard Fabiosa. Rocha was suspended for one month and fined ₱500 for punching Fabiosa during the game.
Fabiosa, meanwhile, was fined ₱50 for throwing the ball at Cristino Reynoso, who was also penalized ₱25 for making a dirty hand gesture at the time.
It was one of several heated moments between the two teams, both of which placed a high premium on winning. But those fiery battles are now a thing of the past. Whatever animosity that once existed between players of the two teams has long been forgotten — letting bygones be bygones.
‘Osbok’ turns 88
Dante “Osbok” Silverio, the head coach of the Comets at the time, celebrated his 88th birthday last October 17 at the Alfresco Covered Lounge in Makati City. Having missed last year’s gathering due to a health scare, there was no way this writer was going to miss this year’s celebration.
In attendance were former Toyota players Virgilio “Gil” Cortez, the PBA’s first Rookie of the Year, Ompong Segura, Edward Camus, Ed Cordero, and Ulysees Rodriguez. Other guests included champion coach Arlene Rodriguez and former Great Taste player Ruben Pablo.
The night wasn’t exclusive to former Toyota players. Also present were Fortunato “Atoy” Co Jr., Alfredo Hubalde, and Luis “Tito” Varela. PBA historians Jay Mercado and Aries Garcia were also there, along with veteran PBA commentator Charlie Cuna.
Originally listed but unable to attend were Ramon Fernandez, Emerito Legaspi, Nick Bulaong, and Leopoldo Herrera for Toyota. For Crispa, Federico “Padim” Israel was the lone absentee.
Another night to remember
As in previous gatherings, Silverio went all out as he usually does. Aside from PBA players and sportswriters, his 88th birthday celebration was attended by family and friends — truly another birthday to remember.
Coach Dante thanked everyone for coming, admitting that their presence truly made his day. He even serenaded guests with several songs, starting with the classic hit “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Also performing classical numbers were Riki Jacinto and Anthony Castelo.
It was another rare gathering of former rivals turned friends at Osbok’s 88th birthday bash. Most spent the night reminiscing about the good old days, laughing over heated confrontations and unforgettable moments of yesteryears.
In all, it was a night not just dedicated to the famed Toyota franchise, but also to friendship and camaraderie — as former Toyota and Crispa players shared laughter and stories, proving they have truly moved on and buried the hatchet.
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