Photo by Randolph B. Leongson
After collaring an unprecedented fourth straight PBA Philippine Cup title last Friday, San Miguel Beer certainly put itself in the conversation as the best team of all time.
And with that run—and if reports are accurate—these Beermen also became the wealthiest in terms of bonuses earned.
It was evident in the faces of the players during the victory celebration on Tuesday night at the SMC compound that hefty bonuses were given and that they were rewarded well.
Inquirer sources, who refused to be identified, pegged the amount at “seven months at the least to eight months (of a player’s basic pay) at the most.”
That means players receiving the maximum monthly base pay of P420,000 will get at least P2.940 million, excluding the extra that generous team owner Ramon S. Ang could give.
“I think San Miguel is very generous when it comes to giving us extra, especially with what we have achieved,” said coach Leo Austria, referring to the all-Filipino championship record after dispatching of sister team Magnolia, 4-1, in the best-of-seven Finals.
For Finals MVP June Mar Fajardo, this means rewarding his parents whatever they desire while also saving for his future.
“Whatever my parents want and whatever I can give them, I will. But of course, I have to save too,” Fajardo, who won a record sixth Best Player of the Conference award, said.
“It doesn’t mean that when we get these bonuses, we have to spend all of it. We have to spend it wisely,” he added as he stands to gain the most if the BPC and Finals MVP awards perks are counted.
Normal bonuses of PBA teams give players 4.5 months for winning the Philippine Cup.
None of the players divulged the exact figure during the celebrations, with former MVP Arwind Santos refusing to look at it as a motivating factor.
“For me, money is not the main factor here. What we achieved, with the bonding we had as a team, that’s what makes us happy,” said Santos in Filipino. “As for the bonus, I’d like to say we’re always happy here.”
Ang, a basketball fanatic who refuses to watch the games live as much as possible, reminded the team to keep its feet on the ground and remain focused on the big picture as the Beermen once again aim for the rare Grand Slam.
“I tell the players to relax and give thanks to God because He is the one blessing us with this success,” Ang said. “He gave us a chance to win this conference and we shouldn’t be boastful of our success. We should continue praying for these players so that they can accomplish the goal we set.”