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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Resilient Bolts ready for big task vs Tropang 5G

Resilient Bolts ready for big task vs Tropang 5G

Published Jan 2, 2026 02:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Juggling the chores of playing in two different leagues at the same time, Meralco's semifinals stint in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup says a lot about the team's character and resiliency.

Juggling the chores of playing in two different leagues at the same time, Meralco’s semifinals stint in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup says a lot about the team’s character and resiliency.

The Bolts are also playing in the East Asia Super League all while contending in the eliminations of the all-Filipino Cup. And while they finished at the seventh spot in the standings, they managed to overcome a twice-to-win disadvantage against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

“I think for us, people don't know how hard it is that we were given the responsibility by these guys and their staff to go into the ESL and try to do well there and here. We're the only team, probably, from some of the leagues that have four inputs. You have to adjust there. You have two different teams,” highlighted Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo.

“I’m just proud of the resiliency. We didn't start out well. And then we were 3-4. We had to win three straight. This is special,” he added.

While certainly happy to reach the Final Four, Meralco is far from being content with what they have achieved since the bigger goal is to replicate their first championship run in the all-Filipino Cup two seasons ago.

“Right now, in front of us is TNT. They've had their number quite a lot. Last year, they won two championships. Very, very solid. It's going to be a battle for us. I think this is what they want. They want to go through the best. So now, TNT is there,” Trillo stressed.

Meralco main man Chris Newsome, who will surely be a marked man in the semis series,  echoed the same sentiments.

“We definitely know that TNT is a team that likes to compete. They're a team. They're a team that really has embraced their system and their culture,” he added as the Bolts brace for a stiff competition against the Tropang 5G.

TNT will be bannered by Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading.

“ I got to know Coach Chot and some of the staff over there. And see how they work with their team. They're a class-act team over there. So we know what we're up against,” said Newsome.

“It's going to be an exciting semis.”

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