Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The recent changes in Rain or Shine really hits home for Beau Belga.
From coach Yeng Guiao’s departure last season, to trades involving Paul Lee, JR Quiñahan, and now Jeff Chan, the burly big man has been a silent witness as remnants of the old Elasto Painters crew fade away.
“Yung feeling, masakit kasi binuo ito ni coach Yeng as a family. Yung isa isang nawawala, parang sa una, mahirap tanggapin,” he said.
(It’s a painful feeling seeing players one-by-one go because the team coach Yeng built was a family and it’s really hard to accept at first.)
Since the team won the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup last season, Rain or Shine has never made it past the quarterfinals, with roster changes abound since Guiao’s departure.
But true to the lessons ingrained by their old mentor, Belga said he has no other recourse but to keep doing his job as the Painters hope to finally turn the page for the Elasto Painters and get themselves back to their championship-contending ways.
“Sinabi niya nga sa amin na it’s our job,” he shared. “Di namin alam kung saan kami mapupunta, kung bukas makalawa, di mo alam kung nasa anong team ka na. You have to be prepared sa pinakamalupit na mangyayari.”
(He told us that it’s our job. We don’t know where we’ll end up, if tomorrow or the other day, we’ll be in another team. You have to be prepared for the worst that can happen.)
Belga is bracing for what’s next for his team, sharing that he’s open on whatever path the Rain or Shine management decides to put him on.
“It’s their decision if they think they want to trade me. I can’t do anything there and I have no control over that. The only thing I can control is my game. For that matter, it’s going to be the management’s decision,” he said.
Belga added he will do his best to keep the Elasto Painters in contention, especially in the season-ending 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Each of us need to adapt to the system. We’re okay. With the new additions, I think we can have a better run this conference,” he said.