Beermen celebrate with fans as Grand Slam talks continue

San Miguel Beer’s championship celebration continued on Wednesday night as the winningest PBA franchise held a victory party for its employees and fans at SMC head office in Pasig City.

The booze kept flowing three days after the Beermen ended their 17-year title drought in the midseason conference.

San Miguel chalked up its fifth championship in eight conferences after knocking off TNT in six games but it didn’t take long before coach Leo Austria gave the Beermen faithfuls what they’ve been clamoring to hear.

Since the confetti filled the air at the historic Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, the talk of a possible Grand Slam resurfaced and Austria didn’t shy away from it.

“I know that we’ve won two championships this season and I already know what all of you are thinking and dreaming of right now,” Austria said in Filipino as he addressed the thick crowd.

“We’re not going to promise anything but we’re going to do our best to achieve our goal,” Austria added.

Austria thanked his players with special mention to Best Player of the Conference Chris Ross, Best Import Charles Rhodes and Finals MVP Alex Cabagnot and paid tribute to SMC big boss Ramon S. Ang.

The multititled coach, who improved his finals record to 5-0, said he is looking at giving his players at least a 10-day break before going back to practice.

The Beermen are set to have another victory party for their fans on Friday at Robinsons Galleria.

San Miguel Beermen victory party at the SMC office in Ortigas. Photo by Mark Giongco