After months away from competitive play, Janine Pontejos put up a stellar debut in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) regular season presented by Akari last Sunday.
Pontejos took command early in San Juan’s 85-47 rout of RK Hoops-Quezon City, powering their strong start to the WMPBL’s inaugural professional season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Gilas sharpshooter delivered 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a strong return to action in her first official game of the year.
“Nagpapasalamat ako na nanalo kami, dahil sa effort din naman ng team especially sa tiwala rin ni coach Ai [Lebornio] sa akin. Ayun nga, kung hindi naman dahil sa teammates ko hindi rin naman ako magiging POG,” said Pontejos.
Pontejos shared that she felt thrilled to finally suit up in the WMPBL, especially after watching from the sidelines during the inaugural Invitationals earlier this year, where she chose to focus on her coaching duties with Centro Escolar University.
(C) WMPBL
“Last season coach ako, so sobrang excited talaga ako kasi last season nainggit ako sa mga players na naglalaro eh,” said the 32-year-old shooting guard.
The three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist was also glad to shake off some rust after she, teammate Chack Cabinbin, and New Zealand-Blufire Batangas’ Afril Bernardino missed Gilas’ Jones Cup campaign due to their commitments with their respective units in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Ayun, sobrang excited ako kasi nga first time kong maglalaro this year kasi hindi kami nakasama sa national team,” she said.
More than anything, though, she’s just grateful that the WMPBL has turned professional, finally providing a home for women’s basketball players to showcase their talent and pursue their careers locally.
She added that the league now offers a clear path for players after college — a rare opportunity in the past — allowing them to keep playing the game they love while also making a living.
“Sobrang thankful ako na meron ng ganitong liga para sa women’s basketball. So malaking opportunity ‘to sa amin, especially sa mga college students na after nila sa college, meron silang mapupuntahan. Isang blessing ‘to sa mga women’s basketball players,” said Pontejos.
“Ayun nga, isa ‘to sa makakatulong din sa kanila sa financial, sa pag-step up at mapakita nila ‘yung games nila. Hindi na sa collegiate na lang, kundi sa buong bansa natin.”
