ON the court, Marc Pingris is one of the toughest players – willing to mix it up down low without a moment of hesitation.
On the road, the Star power forward drives a car that’s as tough.
Pingris shared to SPIN.ph the story behind his black Isuzu D-Max, his first brand-new car that also has a lot of sentimental value, having lasted as long as his PBA career.
The 35-year-old cager bought the pickup truck in 2004, the same year he was taken third overall in the pro draft.
And it has undergone a handful of customizations, including changing the tires to a bigger, off-road variety that can tread through the rough roads of the family-owned fruit and animal farm in his native Pozorrubio, Pangasinan.
“Ayaw ko lang i-let go, so pinaganda ko ng konti kasi gusto ko sa farm namin, kailangan mataas yung sasakyan,” Pingris said. “At kasi diesel, matipid sa gas.”
“Tsaka for me, dun ko pa rin talaga nakikita yung pinaghirapan ko dati,” he added. “Napamahal na sa ’kin.”
[See Pingris enjoys thrill, anonymity as he rides bike to Star practice]
The durable truck has also gone through, just recently, a color change – from white to black.
“Para konting angas lang,” Pingris said.
Asked how much he spent for the transformation, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year politely declined to give the amount.
“Secret na yun, baka magalit si misis,” Pingris said with a smile.
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