Yeng Guiao doing his version of the “Pabebe Wave.” Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Beneath that stoic look, and even after such a deflating defeat, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao gave the fans and the media a glimpse of the comic in him.
Guiao, whose on-court demeanor intimidates game officials, opposing players and even fans, on Tuesday night showed his lighter side during and after the Elasto Painters’ 105-109 loss to San Miguel Beer in Game 1 of their PBA Philippine Cup Final Four series at Mall of Asia Arena.
The firebrand coach showed that he is also a fan of the “AlDub” phenomenon that’s sweeping the nation.
He got one up on San Miguel counterpart Leo Austria, who had confessed to being a diehard follower of noontime television show Eat Bulaga’s popular segment “Kalyeserye.”
After bumping San Miguel guard Chris Ross and sparking a near bench-clearing incident, Guiao, while the tape was being reviewed, did the pa-bebewave that was shown inside the venue’s big screen several times to the delight of the crowd.
It was such a light moment for the fans to enjoy, as they clapped and chanted “Rain or Shine!” repeatedly while it was happening.
Guiao was slapped a technical foul, as were Ross and Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga.
The Elasto Painters would go on to blow a 20-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter and yield the headstart to the Beermen in the best-of-seven series.
Guiao was also greeted yesterday morning by news that he and Belga were fined P20,000 each for the incident.
Austria, being an “AlDub” fan, also did his wave during the customary winning coach’s interview, confessing to the split-screen love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza being “my therapy and one that takes the stress out of my coaching every day.”
Informed later on that Austria was also a fan, Guiao wasn’t about to take a step back.
“Wala na ’yun (That’s nothing),” Guiao said with a smile. “Nag-trending na ako kanina (I was trending first).”