BEAU Belga said he refused to get affected by his and his teammates’ contract situation with Rain or Shine, insisting he played his best in their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign that came to an end on Wednesday night.
The Elasto Painters enforcer is one of 10 players who have expiring contracts that have yet to be renewed following the team's championship conquest in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Sabi ko sa sarili ko na kapag pangit nilaro mo, mahirap makipag-bargain, mahirap makipag-usap,” Belga said after their 105-94 loss to Phoenix in their playoff for the last quarterfinal spot. “So ako totally, sa sarili ko, hindi ako nagpa-apekto.”
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“Kung ire-renew ako, ire-renew naman ako e,” he added. “Kung hindi, wala naman ako magagawa, di ba? Kung ayaw na sa akin ng company or ano. Wala naman ako control doon eh. Ako, ang control ko lang maglaro and ilabas kung ano yung meron ako, kung ano yung kakayahan ko.”
The E-Painters fell short of stretching their impressive streak of 12 postseason and nine semifinal appearances - and Belga couldn't explain the perennial title contender's sudden slide in form.
“Hindi ko ma-describe, hindi kami ‘to, honestly,” Belga said. “Kilala namin sarili namin. Even all-Filipino, kaya namin manalo kahit may import yung kalaban.”
“Pero kasama sa buhay yun e,” he was quick to add. “It’s up to you kung paano mo i-handle yung ganoon klaseng adversity sa buhay."
For now, Belga said he will spend this time with his family and recover from aches and pains.
“Maghihintay na lang ako ng mga tawag ng mga boss kung kailan ako kakausapin, kung kailan ako pipirma ng kontrata,” the 29-year-old big man said.
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