TNT management hopes that its transfer to a new practice facility will bring even greater success for the ballclub in its search for more PBA championships.
The Tropang 5G recently moved from the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside the Ateneo de Manila campus in Quezon City to the new Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong - a decision that was both practical and sentimental.
READ TNT finds new home as it moves practices to Gameville
“It’s more of to move into a different direction na rin ‘yung team namin,” TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa. “Mga bago na mga players namin, and more than anything, it checks all the boxes sa mga needs namin.”
Lastimosa admitted he took a page from how his former team Alaska did things when it came to its practice facility during the Milkmen's time in the PBA.
The initial plan of TNT was to make improvements to the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center, with a design concept already created, and purchasing of new equipment scheduled with the support from the MVP Group.
However, the plans changed when Moro’s management was recently transferred to Ateneo de Manila University, which prioritized its varsity teams.
“Sa Alaska kasi, nung nandoon kami before, may sariling lounge ‘yung team, may therapy room, may medical room, may team room, may coaches room. Maganda ‘yung pagka-set up nila,” said Lastimosa, a member of the Milkmen’s 1996 grand slam team.
“[TNT] wanted the same thing being the No. 1 team ng MVP umbrella,” Lastimosa said.
In searching for a new facility, Lastimosa confirmed that location was one of the primary considerations. Their new practice venue is located at the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City and close to the residence of most players.
“‘Yung design na pinagawa ko, nilipat ko na nung pumasok ang Gameville, they offered a space. Nung nakita ko ‘yung location, perfect ito sa mga players because they only live in Pasig, BGC, puro sila sa South,” Lastimosa said.
Lastimosa said they are renting the facility for five years, but Gameville management has allowed TNT to spruce the place up. Although it remains unfinished, Lastimosa said the designs will celebrate the history of the ballclub.
Already on display are the franchise's 11 championships in the PBA, and the team hopes to add more to the collection displayed in its brand-new practice venue.
“‘Yung design na pinagawa ko, inincorporate ko sa lounge namin. Hindi pa tapos kasi ‘yung murals kasi ang design, pati ‘yung mga past players, nandoon sa mga walls,” Lastimosa said.
“Tapos pinadisplay namin lahat ng trophies kasi nakatago lang ‘yun sa opisina namin sa Moro [Lorenzo Gym]. Unlike sa Alaska before, papasok ka sa office ng Alaska sa sixth floor, unang magi-greet sayo lahat ng championships namin, lahat naka-display.
"I wanted it to be a trophy that can be displayed and be appreciated kasi pinaghirapan ‘yun ng mga players,” Lastimosa said.
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