It’s purely from observation — nothing else.
That’s what team governor Emilio Tiu offered when asked about the possible concerns surrounding Pureblends’ decision to carry the Titan Ultra banner in its first-ever foray in the league beginning in the upcoming Season 50.
Titan Ultra is a male dietary supplement.
“We are concerned,” he said moments after the pre-season press conference at Shangri-La at The Fort, Wednesday.
“Actually, we felt at first that it should not be at this event. But with the impact of PBA, 50 years, who knows?
“We could be benefiting from our new products,” he added. “The first idea was to use the old products, but it is already in the market. Kilala na eh. So maybe, this might be helpful for everybody. So ‘yan ang observation namin.”
Titan Ultra is actually a new product and will hit the market in the ‘very near future,’ according to Tiu, thus Pureblends’ decision to go with Titan Ultra beginning in the upcoming Philippine Cup, which opens on Sunday.
Their moniker, in case you’re wondering, would be Giant Risers.
“This is a new product. Eventually — in the very near future — lalabas na, kaya isinabay na namin dito sa PBA 50th anniversary,” said Tiu, who attended the presser for what should be his very first event as part of the league’s board.
Titan Ultra is ready to go for its debut after being formally welcomed by the league on Wednesday, marking a fresh start for the PBA as it has finally accommodated a new team after a few years.
Pureblends acquired the NorthPort franchise during the offseason and has inherited the Batang Pier pieces, including Joshua Munzon and Calvin Abueva — making Tiu positive of their chances.
“We are lucky to acquire some veteran players from other teams,” he said.
“With that young group, and our veterans still young, our style is to play a running game, depensa… We have lots of shooters.”
The one true goal is, of course, to win a championship. Still, Tiu and the rest of the Giant Risers, to be mentored by Johnedel Cardel, are tempering expectations, with their sights set on building a team that’s as competitive as possible.
“The team owner is a fighter and a basketball player who wants to win at all costs,” he said, referring to team owner Bryann Calantoc. “But eventually. We know we are a new team, we have to develop.
“You cannot be a champion team in one year. it should be within two to three years,” added Tiu, who once served, albeit briefly, as an alternate governor for the GlobalPort franchise some years ago. “We will develop through drafting.”
#WATCH: BAGONG KOPONAN, BAGONG LABAN!
Team Governor Emilio Tiu promises Titan Ultra will be competitive in #PBA50 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/UNHCdmLLOi
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 1, 2025
