A delicious reward awaits Phoenix Super LPG at the Quest Plus Conference Center in Clark, Pampanga after its hard-fought PBA Philippine Cup match versus NorthPort Thursday, which it ultimately won.
And that’s courtesy of star forward Calvin Abueva, who has apparently become the team’s resident cook while inside the bubble.
“We know that may masarap na luto pag-uwi namin ng hotel,” said interim head coach Topex Robinson moments after the 110-105 win. “Kakatukin niya kami sa mga room namin dahil ‘yan ang trabaho niya ngayon eh.
“Since wala siyang silbi ngayon, siya na lang ‘yung magluto ng dinner. And he’s excited. Naka-ready na mga luto niya doon.”
That’s just among the many things that Abueva does for his team while he awaits word from the league on his return, now that he has finished all the requirements of the Games and Amusements Board.
“Lahat ng pwede niya maitulong off the court, ginagawa niya ‘yan. Mamaya nga mamasahihin niya ko pag-uwi dahil usapan namin eh,” Robinson quipped.
The Fuel Masters surely feel excited to head back to their hotel to see Abueva and what he prepared for their recovery meal. But more than anything else, they look forward to seeing him play again.
Robinson didn’t hide how thrilled they feel to have him back. “We’re excited to see him back. We hope that he’ll be back, and he’s gonna bring so much energy,” said the 45-year-old mentor.
But until that happens, the Fuel Masters’ focus remains on the present. They are now 2-0 in the tilt, enabling them to join TNT on top of the team standings.
“Everybody’s waiting for Calvin to return. We’re excited for him. But what’s in front of us right now is just us. Until we see ‘The Beast’ coming into our dugout, that’s the only time we’re gonna have him,” Robinson said.
“But as long as he’s not here, we’re gonna keep competing. Calvin is not an excuse for us not to compete. It’s nice for us to have a Calvin Abueva on your team, but this is not just about Calvin. It’s not about Matt. It’s about everybody.
“I just love seeing Dave Marcelo hitting that three, JR Reyes hitting shots, Jensen Rios solid in the last end and that’s what we celebrate. One guy is just a piece of a whole,” he closed.
