WATCH: Meralco Bolts bond over game of paintball

Looking to do something out of the ordinary, Meralco players put on their armors, went out to the field, and engaged in a paintball battle on Wednesday.

“We talked about trying to do something together as a team, especially with a little bit of extended break,” said Jimmy Alapag. “Us veterans thought it was cool to get the guys together and do paintball.”

The former PBA MVP shared that it was only his second time to play paintball. The first was a decade ago when he was still a Talk ‘N Text neophyte.

And he wants to share that experience with his new teammates, as the Bolts bonded for the first time with import Arinze Onuaku in tow.

“With this team, to have guys like John (Ferriols), Reynel (Hugnatan), myself, and JD (Jared Dillinger), guys who have been in the league for a little while, it’s a collective idea to put something like this together, and it gives everybody a chance to spend some time with our import,” said Alapag.

Alapag hopes it could help the team get even more familiar with the Bolts’ import, who was a last minute replacement for first choice Malcolm Thomas.

“This is the first time we did anything with Arinze because he came in late to start the conference. It’s an important part of any import-laden conference, getting the import to really jell and familiarize himself with the rest of the guys.”

“It’s an opportunity for the team to be together. We’re out here competing and battling everyday, so it’s nice to relax a little and do something fun.”

With three games left in their schedule, the 6-2 Bolts are still finding ways to improve their chemistry, a vital piece, which Alapag knows, a championship team needs.

“It’s part of the process,” he said. “We’re a team that has been trying to develop a culture where we’re used to winning. As much as we come in here early every day and do our work before and after practice, part of that process is spending time together off the court, whether having a meal together or watching movies or doing something like paintball.”