Bolts thrilled to face Beermen in nostalgic duel

Meralco is thrilled to face San Miguel Beer in a nostalgic encounter that will mark the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Currently on top with two straight wins, Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo said they are pumped up to face the Beermen in a battle between the two remaining pioneer teams in the league.

Both San Miguel and Meralco played against each other in the old Manila Industrial Commercial Athletic Association — the precursor of the PBA.

San Miguel, carrying the colors of Royal Tru-Orange, went on to join the PBA’s inaugural season in 1975 while Meralco disbanded in the wake of the Martial Law in 1972. In 2010, the Bolts resurfaced after taking over the franchise of Sta. Lucia Realty.

The Beermen went on to emerge as the winningest franchise in league history with 29 titles, including a rare Grand Slam in 1989 under the leadership of head coach Norman Black and backed by legendary players such as Ramon Fernandez, Ricardo Brown, Hector Calma, and Samboy Lim, who are now all in the PBA’s Greatest Players list.

On the other hand, Meralco won its first title in the Philippine Cup of 2024.

Reports have it that both squads will be wearing their retro jerseys, adding a tinge of nostalgia to the game that serves as a kick off event to the league’s golden anniversary celebration on Friday at Solaire North in Quezon City.

‘It’s a big honor for us to play against San Miguel in the 50th anniversary of the league.’

Ticket prices are pegged at P50 and P30 while those who were born in 1975 — the year the league was founded — will be allowed to watch the game for free provided that they can provide supporting documents.

“It’s a big honor for us to play against San Miguel in the 50th anniversary of the league,” said Trillo after leading Meralco to a 118-108 win over Terrafirma last Sunday.

“I just think both of us have rich traditions from our ball clubs. When we play against each other, there’s high respect for one another.”

But more than making a trip down memory lane, Meralco has a golden opportunity to chalk up its third win of the season by beating San Miguel.

Trillo, however, knows that it will be easier said than done.

“They’re (Beermen) going to be ready. They’re the oldest team, but they’re also the most experienced team. We’re excited to play on that Wednesday,” Trillo said.