ONE of the most beloved personnel in the Barangay Ginebra family is gone.
Raphael ‘Mang Jun’ Vicera, the retired long-time masseur of the PBA’s most popular ballclub, passed away on Saturday due to diabetes complication.
He was 67.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) sports director and Barangay Ginebra board of governor Alfrancis Chua confirmed the sad news.
Popularly known as ‘Mang Jun,’ Vicera had seen it all from the time the team’s ‘never-say-die’ mantra was born under charismatic leader Robert Jaworski, all the way to the Tim Cone era when the Kings rediscovered their championship form.
In all, he served as Ginebra masseuse for 37 years.
Tributes and memories about his time with the ballclub flooded Barangay Ginebra fan pages shortly after news of his death came out, while 2012 MVP Mark Caguioa wrote a touching farewell message on his Instagram account.
“We will all miss you and I’m sure the old school fans and old school players will miss you, too,” said the veteran guard.
“Rest in peace. We love you, Mang Jun.”
Ginebra coach Tim Cone also paid tribute to Vicera, who he said was 'my connection to Ginebra's past.'
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