Earlier in the day, Phoenix Super LPG head coach Topex Robinson posted on Instagram that he and Calvin Abueva were northbound.
The player and coach, who have had a bond since their days in San Sebastian, were not heading to Angeles, Pampanga nor Olongapo City — the latter being Robinson’s hometown.
Instead, the two drove 10.3-kilometers further down Angeles along Manuel A. Roxas Highway to Quest Hotel.
Yes, The Beast joined the rest of the Fuel Masters inside the PBA bubble around 6:00PM.
According to team manager Paolo Bugia, the 32-year-old has been allowed to train with Phoenix once scrimmages begin allowed.
Abueva has also followed the same testing protocols as the rest of the Fuel Masters did last week, including a PCR test.
Besides the need for a clearance to play from the PBA, Abueva — who has been suspended for the last 15 months — needs to get his Games and Amusement Board license back.
In order to do so, he has to attend an online seminar, according to GAB chief Baham Mitra.
“He will undergo a seminar on Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of a Professional Athletes once the GAB Board decides to give back his license,” said Mitra, who was not able to attend the meeting GAB had with Abueva and Robinson due to a budget hearing at the House of Representatives. Attending the meeting with Abueva and Robinson, held in Makati, was Commissioner Ed Trinidad.
“The Board also has to discuss it since he can’t get out of the bubble if he returns to Manila.”