ANTIPOLO — Steering Titan Ultra to a winning PBA debut on Wednesday night meant so much more than that for the returning Johnedel Cardel.
It’s also a tribute to those who kept the faith in him despite being away in the league for about a year after being given the pink slip by Terrafirma.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay God na nakabalik ako dito, and sa mga friends ko na tumutulong sa akin,” he said moments after their 100-96 victory over Meralco in Season 50 Philippine Cup action at the Ynares Center here.
Cardel was unceremoniously fired by the Dyip back in October of last year, about a conference — or mere months — after steering the franchise to a rare quarterfinal appearance in the Season 48 Philippine Cup.
Reportedly let go by way of a Viber message, it led to a lengthy sabbatical for the former player turned mentor — one that he didn’t think he’d need, as it ultimately enabled him to get some quality time to rest and enjoy with his family.
He did become busy manning the helm of a perennial bottom-dweller, a position he had held since taking over from the late Ricky Dandan in 2018.
(C) PBA Images
But of course, there remained the itch to be back on the sidelines directing sets, and watching PBA games from home gave him some sense of comfort.
As fate would have it, though, Pureblends came knocking on his door. And the next thing he knew, Cardel was back doing what he missed the most.
“After one year, going back sa PBA, isang taon nakapagpahinga ako then I watch PBA, syempre nami-miss ko,” said the La Salle product, who nearly migrated to Guam with his family to start afresh.
“Love natin ang basketball.”
From being in charge of practices, the 55-year-old has just led the Giant Risers to a successful start to their PBA journey, doing so against a champion team.
That’s why he couldn’t feel any more blessed, and at the same time grateful, especially to the people whom he considers his ‘day ones’.
But Cardel knows one particular person who would be so happy to see him come back to where his heart belongs: his mom, who passed away recently.
“‘Yung mother ko na nasa langit na, siguro kung buhay siya, ‘yun. Blessed talaga. Salamat sa mga kaibigan ko na nagdasal sa akin.”
#WATCH: Calvin Abueva and Coach Johnedel Cardel share their thoughts after Titan Ultra’s rock-solid #PBA50 debut win over Meralco 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/1loo673Rya
📹 Justine Bacnis/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/bhwGEKeeQD
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 8, 2025
