Welcome break for Dondon, Asi

BORACAY—Dondon Hontiveros and Asi Taulava have taken the entire week off, a welcome respite before grinding it out again with the Smart Gilas national team.

Come Monday night, Hontiveros and Taulava will go straight to the PH five’s practice barely 24 hours after playing in the PBA North versus South All-Star game on this island paradise.

“Cramps hit me right on the first day of practice,” said Hontiveros. “You have to be in pretty good shape to keep up with the national team in those practices.”

That’s how demanding the workouts of coach Rajko Toroman are.

Taulava and Hontiveros, former national players,  will team up for the South squad.

“I’m just enjoying the beach before going back to work on Monday,” said the 38-year-old Taulava.