Disappointed after bowing out in the quarterfinals during their maiden season last year, Abra Solid North owner Cong. JB Bernos did the next best thing — he prepared early and made sure all the bases were covered.
“We learned so many lessons from our initial foray, so I made sure to get the best people available around, from the manager to the players,” said Bernos. “And luckily, we were able to convince some of the best players around, like Encho (Serrano) and Dave (Ildefonso). And everything just fell into place.”
The result was a magical journey. The Yong Garcia-mentored Weavers defeated the Quezon Huskers, 94-85, in overtime to complete a three-game sweep of the MPBL Season 2025 National Championship on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Apart from the team’s meticulous preparation, Bernos — long noted for his generosity — also credited the strong family support behind the Weavers’ record-breaking championship run, led by his wife, Rep. Ching Bernos, and even his 78-year-old mother, Danglas Mayor Esther B. Bernos.
“Everyone in the family and even the people of Abra, they love basketball so much that their support during our games, even during the elimination round, was overwhelming,” said Bernos.
“If you have the support of everyone you love and respect, then everything looks easy. Sadly, my mother missed our championship because she had a prior commitment to her constituents.”
Abra’s record 36-game winning streak was far from easy, but Bernos emphasized that the team’s desire and resolve were evident for everyone to see, complemented by the brilliance of Ildefonso, Serrano, and Fil-Am Jason Brickman.
(C) Abra Solid North
Did Bernos expect to win the championship via a sweep? Absolutely not — nor did head coach Yong Garcia.
Fully aware of the Huskers’ capabilities, Bernos anticipated a tough series, though not in the first two games held at their home court, the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.
The idea of a sweep only crossed his mind after the Weavers secured Game 2, 62-58. To make the bonus even more enticing, Bernos made a “sweet promise” to his players.
Thus, he was not surprised to see his players bringing only a suitcase good for a day or two during their trip to Lucena — a sign that spoke volumes.
“That means they accepted my challenge, so they came determined to finish the job, and we from Abra were glad for their valiant efforts,” beamed Bernos.
Game 3 featured a fierce exchange of baskets, and although the Weavers trailed at certain stretches, Garcia and his wards refused to be intimidated, willing their way to the Promised Land.
“The boys keep on coming back. Ayaw talaga nilang magpatalo. This is the character I want for the team and Abra, yong ayaw patalo,” said Bernos.
Following a 70-60 loss to Pasay, the Weavers went on a dominant run: sweeping Ilagan Isabela, 2-0, in the quarterfinals; Caloocan, 2-0, in the semifinals; and Pangasinan, 3-0, in the North Finals.
With his appetite for winning whetted, expect Bernos and the Weavers to once again weave their magic — embarking on another great ride that aims to set Abra Solid North as a lasting standard of excellence.
