IAN Sangalang struck a conversation with Calvin Abueva before Magnolia’s second game of the PBA Philippine Cup.
But for the first time in a long while, Sangalang and Abueva weren’t on the same side when Magnolia faced Titan Ultra at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.
The former San Sebastian teammates and fellow Kapampangans parted ways after Magnolia decided to trade Abueva last June to NorthPort, which has since sold the franchise to Titan Ultra.
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Sangalang said he continues to stay in touch with Abueva after the trade, but it’s a different feeling that they are no longer on the same squad.
“Before college, nagkasama kami. Tapos sa PBA, hindi kami nagkasama nung na-draft siya sa Alaska tapos na-draft ako sa San Mig. Tagal din kaming hindi magkasama pero siyempre, matagal din ‘yung time na magkasama kami sa PBA,” said Sangalang, who at 33 is four years younger than Abueva.
“Halos araw-araw na kami magkasama, nasanay na uli ako na kasama siya," Sangalang added of their four seasons together at Magnolia from 2021 to 2025. "This time, hindi ko na naman siya kasama. Nakakapanibago.
"Calvin is Calvin. Part of our job na mangyayari talaga ‘yung ganun. Kailangan lang talaga tanggapin ‘yung mga sitwasyon na ganun. Other than that, nagkakausap naman kami lagi,” Sangalang added.
Abueva was unable to play against his former team as he was dealing with a hamstring injury. Sangalang, on the other hand, played a key role in Magnolia’s 127-119 win over Titan Ultra when he went for 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Abueva though made sure to make his presence felt, shouting instructions to his teammates and even trash-talking his former colleagues at Magnolia.
“Alam ko naman si Calvin, ganun naman ‘yun eh,” said Sangalang. “Nararamdaman ko siya kanina. Alam ko na gigil na gigil siya. Gusto niyang maglaro pero hindi talaga puwede.”
Sangalang said he thought that Abueva was bluffing when he said in the days leading up to the ballgame that he won’t be playing.
“Kausap ko na ‘yun. Tinatanong tanong ko ‘yan kung maglalaro ka ba. Sabi niya, susubukan niya. Akala ko talaga sinasabi lang niya ‘yun tapos surprise na maglalaro siya. Pero nung nakita ko talaga na hindi siya naka-bihis, hindi talaga kaya,” said Sangalang.
Sangalang expects Abueva to play his best the next time Magnolia faces Titan Ultra.
“Kahit ako, hindi ako rerespeto sa loob. Maglalaro talaga ‘yun. Kaya next time na maglaro siya, ready talaga kami,” said Sangalang.
But for now, Sangalang wishes Abueva to heal up as early as possible.
“Sorry na lang sa 'yo, Calvs. Hindi ka talaga puwede eh. Maybe sa susunod, makakalaban mo uli ‘yung Magnolia. Pagaling ka muna. Mas importante ‘yun kasi gusto niyang bumalik. Pagaling lang siya,” said Sangalang.
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