JAMIE Malonzo’s impressive stint with the Gilas Pilipinas team that retained the men’s basketball gold in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games was not meant to make a case for a PBA return, but more on a Japan B.League reboot.
The Fil-Am forward, of course, was among the first to be covered by the recent PBA ruling banning players from seeing action in the league for three years should they shun contract offers and refuse to sign renewals by opting to play in other leagues – both international and domestic.
READ Malonzo will always make himself available for Gilas
The SEA Games stint, therefore, was aimed at getting the attention of B.League ballclubs interested in securing his services following an unceremonious exit in Japan two months ago.
“Hindi sa PBA y'an, para sa B.League 'yan,” a source intimated to SPIN.ph.
“International event ang SEA Games. Maraming nanonood diyan, coaches, scouts, managers. Si Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Thirdy Ravena, puro naglaro sa B.League, so alam nila (Malonzo camp), nakatutok lahat diyan.”
Malonzo opted to leave Barangay Ginebra prior to the PBA’s 50th season to sign a contract with Kyoto Hannaryz in the B. League.
Unfortunately, the honeymoon lasted just five games before the former De La Salle stalwart was dismissed by the franchise.
Malonzo has been without a team for months now and found his way back with Gilas Pilipinas, initially, in the first window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, and later on, in the SEA Games in Thailand.
However, sources pointed to a window opening in January for lineup movements in the Japan B.League. The information is unverified at posting time.
The high-flying Fil-Am delivered for the national team when needed most, spearheading a huge third-quarter Gilas comeback that eventually spelled the fall of Thailand in their gold medal game, 70-64.
He finished with a team-high 17 points that helped his stock rise again as a player.
So, any B.League takers there for Jamie? - Gerry Ramos
Rare HK get-together for MVP and RSA
METRO Pacific Investments Corp. held its Christmas party in Hong Kong last Dec. 12 and chairman Manny V. Pangilinan was joined by one very important person during the special gathering.
The special guest? No less than San Miguel Corp. chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
In a rare get-together between the two Filipino billionaires and top sports patrons, Ang attended the occasion upon the invitation of Pangilinan, who occasionally holds office at the Special Administrative Region of China where First Pacific Co. Ltd – the mother company of Metro Pacific Investments – is currently based.
SPIN.ph learned from sources that Ang, who joined the board of directors of Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific in 2023, was accompanied in the event by SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, while also in attendance was PBA board chairman and now Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Ricky Vargas.
The 73-year-old Vargas is also a top executive of PLDT where he serves as chief leadership transition officer.
NLEX Corporation president and general manager Luis S. Renon also joined the celebration.
The relationship between the two corporate rivals has been a lot smoother since teaming up together for the country’s hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The partnership has since extended beyond sports and led to joint ventures in infrastructure, energy, and consumer ventures.
Alas Men coach Frigoni is here to stay
While the search for a new head coach for Alas Pilipinas Women is underway, their men’s team counterparts will be sticking with the status quo.
Angiolino Frigoni is set to remain at the helm of Alas Pilipinas Men following a historic 2025 campaign, SPIN.ph has learned.
The decision was cemented by the Nationals’ bronze-medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, highlighted by a dramatic five-set reverse sweep of Vietnam that spared Philippine indoor volleyball from another medal-less run.
Despite his stern and intimidating exterior, Frigoni’s leadership has resonated well within the team.
His pragmatic, detail-oriented approach has translated into tangible gains, reflected in improved performances and encouraging results for Alas Men.
The undisputed high point of Frigoni’s tenure, however, came at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, staged on home soil.
The Philippines finished 19th out of 32 teams, emerging as the second-best performing Asian squad in the tournament.
The campaign also marked several milestones, including the program’s first set win and first match victory at the World Championship level, achieved against African powerhouse Egypt.
Now 71, Frigoni is looking to build on the momentum of 2025 with several Asian competitions lined up in the coming year, as Alas Men aim to continue their upward trajectory. - John Mark Garcia
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