Yeng Guiao sees silver lining in latest election loss: ‘I can focus more on basketball’

MANILA, Philippines—Multi-titled head coach Yeng Guiao saw a silver lining in his loss in the recent 2019 midterm elections.

Guiao lost to re-electionist Carmelo Jon Lazatin in the congressional race for Pampanga’s first district representative, but he chose to look at the positive side of things.

“It’s all part of the package, you can win or lose,” said Guiao in Fiipino after the Road Warriors’ 102-87 loss to TNT Wednesday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

READ: Yeng Guiao to use NLEX’s early exit to prepare for elections 

“What’s important for me is I felt that I had something to offer, the stars just didn’t line up. Actually, my family’s happier now so that’s another way of looking at it.”

Guiao added that he could focus more on his coaching duties with NLEX and Gilas Pilipinas, which he led to the 2020 Fiba World Cup.

The Road Warriors are still reeling from the absences of injured guard Kevin Alas and the suspended Kiefer Ravena who was found to have violated the standards of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

READ: Vergel Meneses wins mayor, Dondon Hontiveros tops councilor race; Yeng Guiao loses congressional bid

Ravena, though, could practice with the team as early as June before he could play in the PBA in August.

“I can focus more on basketball, not just NLEX but also with the Gilas preparations,” said Guiao who held the congressional seat in 2013. “Politics is always going to be there, it’s always there, so it’s always an option.”

“The more important thing now is to be able to put that loss behind you and look forward to the challenges ahead. It’s all part of our journeys in life.”