Mark Caguiao and Jayjay Helterbrand locked in a hug during the PBA Semifinals game between the Ginebra Gin Kings and San Miguel Beermen. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Amid the earsplitting celebration from title-starving fans dominating the 20,000-plus crowd at Araneta Coliseum, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand shared a candid and serene moment as the buzzer sounded signaling Ginebra’s return to the finals on Tuesday night.
On the exact same floor where they endured memorable heartbreaks, monumental victories and won their last championship eight years ago, Caguioa and Helterbrand—-names that will forever be linked to each other—-hugged tightly.
It was an emotional scene in a festive atmosphere as the two most beloved players of their generation drowned in the moment, wondering if this could really be it? Nostalgia came bearing down quick.
READ: Ginebra ousts San Miguel Beer
“That’s what I was telling him. When he retires, and then there were none. Paunti unti na lang. The last of the Mohicans,” said Caguioa, referring to a classic film in the 90s about a dying breed of warriors making their final stand.
“That’s why we gave each other a big hug. We’ve been here since the beginning. Nagpalit ng mga coach, ng mga players, pero nandito pa rin kami,” Caguioa told reporters, who formed a semi-circle around him and his longtime partner-in-crime as the jubilation shifted to remembering what had been.
Helterbrand was a direct hire by Ginebra in 2000. Caguioa was drafted a year after. And since then, they have formed a bond that’s bound to last a lifetime. And together, they were instrumental in Ginebra’s last four championships.
READ: Cone says first-timer Meralco the experienced side, not Ginebra
Fast forward to now and 15 years later, they are the only remnants of the 2008 championship team still proudly representing the same name in front of their jerseys.
“This is surreal. It still hasn’t hit me yet,” said Helterbrand before pausing for a good amount of time. “I don’t have words to describe the way I’m feeling right now. All I can say it’s harder to watch than when you’re out there playing. It’s different. I think this is the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life. I got to go check my blood pressure.”
But there was never a hint of anxiousness in Helterbrand when he was inserted into the game with 1:57 left shortly after chants of “Jayjay” filled the Big Dome. He and Caguioa put the finishing touches to the Gin Kings’ 117-92 obliteration of the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals clincher, both making their first shots to send the crowd into delirium to complete the celebration.
READ: GALLERY: PBA Semis Game 5 between Ginebra, San Miguel
The Gin Kings booked a trip to the finals for the first time since getting swept by the Alaska Aces in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup and the way it has always been ever since, the veterans owed the feat to their fans.
“Like me and him, we’re looking at each other over there and we just can’t believe that we’re here. For us we were just thinking about the fans. They deserve this. More than us. Dahil they’ve been there through thick and thin. Muntik na nga akong umiyak doon. I’m just so happy that we made it to the finals,” Caguioa said.
Through failed bids and false hopes, the fans remained loyal and it was evident in Ginebra’s blowout loss in Game 4. The Gin Kings were out of it early but their supporters never left.
READ: A win away from finals, Ginebra has ‘no right to feel tired’
“Like I said kinikilabutan ako, I just can’t thank enough the fans for us to be there for us.”
Caguioa and Helterbrand are four wins away from another championship and a looming breakup that seemed inseparable.
“I’m happy and I’m sad at the same time. I still don’t want to think that he’s gonna retire. Don’t want to think about that,” a glassy-eyed Caguioa said.
READ: Cone: Thompson’s triple-double won’t be his last
“One last ride, just like the movie,” Helterbrand quipped.
One more ride for the Fast and the Furious together in what had seemed to be a never-ending journey.