AFTER doing his share with Gilas Pilipinas, big man Beau Belga now focuses his attention to Rain or Shine’s coming campaign in the PBA Governors Cup.
He needs to, especially after having agreed in principle to the new two-year deal he had with the Elasto Painters.
If ever, the contract will take effect by the start of the league’s 45th season unless any last-minute ditch comes along the way.
Nonetheless, the veteran forward-center does appreciate the trust given him by Rain or Shine management behind co-team owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que that he sees himself perhaps retiring with the franchise he had been with since 2011.
“Wala na, hindi na ako naghahanap ng iba. Dito na siguro (retirement). Ok na ako. Kung dati gusto kong malipat, ngayon hindi na,” Belga said frankly.
“Maayos naman yung mga bosses, e. Mababait, hindi naman mahirap kausap.”

The 32-year-old former Philippine Christian University stalwart is very grateful for Rain or Shine management in allowing him to spend time training and practicing with Gilas Pilipinas as it prepared for the FIBA World Cup in China.
And despite the divided attention playing for the national team and the Elasto Painters, Rain or Shine executives still have complete trust in him and wanted him back for another two years.
Belga said it’s just fitting enough he repays the faith given him by the organization.
“Kailangan lang suklian yung tiwala ng mga boss. Kailangan magpakita para yung tiwala hindi mawala hanggang sa mag-retire siguro,” added Belga.
“Kailangan mo lang talagang suklian para hindi sila (management) manawa.”
As he settles down with his fourth – and perhaps last – team in the league, the Gubat, Sorsogon native stressed that the effort now is centered at helping the Elasto Painters reached the finals anew and win another championship for the franchise.
“I-establish mo na yung sarili mo dito,” said Belga, one of only two active players left from the original Rain or Shine team that won its breakthrough title in the 2012 Governors Cup.
Belga and Gabe Norwood were both part of the two championships the Elasto Painters had won in the past, and now along with two-time MVP James Yap, anchor the bid of the team in the season-ending conference along with its core of young players led by Ray Nambatac, Ed Daquioag, Kris Rosales, Norbert Torres, Jayjay Alejandro, newly-acquired Ping Exciminiano, and rookie Javee Mocon.
“Si Gabe tsaka si James tatlo na lang kaming seniors,” he said. “Kumbaga malapit na kaming magka-discount (senior citizen).”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph