THE perks and bonuses keep coming for members of the recently crowned MPBL champions Pampanga Giant Lanterns.
Since Thursday, the team backed by Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda has been on an all expense-paid trip to Osaka, Japan, where they had the whole Friday touring the famed Universal Studios.
The treat, which comes more than two months since the title-clinching win over the Bacoor Strikers last Dec. 2, was not only for the players. Pineda encouraged some of them to bring along their loved ones.
Among those who are part of the four-day tour are the wives of MPBL MVP Justin Baltazar, Encho Serrano, Archie Concepcion, Kurt Reyson and MJ Garcia. The wife of former PBA MVP Arwind Santos, Ivette, is also part of the entourage.
Mrs. Santos, who lost her mom recently, said the trip was a chance for her and Arwind to heal some wounds. She said the soft-spoken governor pampered the entourage from great food to classy accommodation.
Bonding moment for Pampanga team
“Grabe. Ang bait ni Gov, kahit saan gusto ng players, go siya. Kanina super enjoy kami sa Universal Studios, the players get to bond more kasi para kaming isang family dito talaga,” said the daughter of former FEU Tamaraws coach Danny Gavieres.
Santos also shared that the governor even wanted to take the whole team to Tokyo Disneyland, but the players already turned it down as they all decided unanimously to just go to different outlet shops in Osaka to get hard-to-find shoes and clothes.
The former UAAP courtside reporter shared how Pineda’s generosity explains the loyalty he commands from players.
“Oo, dun mo nakikita why super loyal kay Gov mga players n'ya. Kasi sobrang alaga nya at madaling malapitan. 'Yun nga lang, strict talaga siya when it comes to practices and developing yourself and skills,” added Mrs. Santos.
“Pero nakakatuwa kasi alam naming eversince generous sa mga alaga nya si boss, pero yung ganitong treatment sa mga players, sobrang nakakahanga,” she said.
Pampanga team building
Pampanga team manager and provincial sports head Allan Trinidad told SPIN.ph that the trip is part of their team building as the Giant Lanterns prepare for their bid to become the league’s first ever back-to-back champions.
“Bonus ito sa players pero more on team building ito. Kasi next week sasabak na agad kami sa pre-season, pagbalik namin this weekend, si Gov balik trabaho sa kapitolyo, kami namang team, tatakbo na sa Gensan,” said Trinidad, a former coach of San Sebastian.
Asked if the governor has ever mentioned a successful title defense during one of their short chats with the team, Trinidad responded with a laugh.
“Di na kailangang sabihin ni Gov 'yun, matik na sa mga players na kailangang suklian nila ang kabaitan ni Gov, malay mo next na byahe namin US o Europe na. Kaya nasa sa kanila yun na mag-perform,” said Trinidad.
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