Monchet’s PBA memories

For four PBA conferences from 1996 to 1997, Ramon (Monchet) Carballo was Ginebra San Miguel/Gordon’s Gin team manager and with Robert Jaworski as playing coach, he saw history unfold before his eyes. Under his watch, Ginebra/Gordon’s went to three straight Finals, Bal David hit a halfcourt shot to beat San Miguel Beer, 83-81, in a 1997 All-Filipino game, Jaworski played in his last PBA contest on May 25, 1997 at 51 and the Big J celebrated his last PBA championship in the 1997 Commissioner’s Cup.

“Being manager of a team like Ginebra is an experience that remains unforgettable to this day,” said Carballo, now 71 and retired from corporate work after stints at McCann Erickson, Philippine Advertising Counselors (PAC) and La Tondena as marketing director. “During my time as team manager, Conrad Malixi was La Tondeña president and Ber Navarro was PBA governor in charge of our team. I succeeded Atty. Kit Villaruz and served from the 1996 Governors’ Cup to the 1997 Governors’ Cup. It was during my term that I realized how popular Ginebra was. I was surprised that fans would recognize me just because I sat on the bench. As team manager, my assistant was Chito Loyzaga. Jaworski was an amazing leader and I was fortunate to work with him.”

A highlight of his brief tenure as team manager was when Gordon’s Gin won the 1997 Commissioner’s Cup crown. “For the 1997 season, it was decided to name our team Gordon’s Gin Boars,” said Carballo. “In the Commissioner’s Cup, our first import was Tyrone Hopkins but before the start of the semis, we brought in Chris King who was an incredible player. We went to the Finals and beat Alaska, 4-2.” Carballo said to this day, he keeps the Cuneta Astrodome ticket to the Game 6 clincher in his wallet.

Carballo said while with PAC, he broached the idea of out-of-town games with then-PBA commissioner Atty. Rudy Salud. “We did the Marlboro Tour so we thought why not do a Marlboro PBA Tour,” he recalled. “My uncle was former commissioner Col. Mariano Yenko (who preceded Atty. Salud). When I was with Ginebra, the commissioner was Jun Bernardino. They were all gentlemen who loved the game.”

A few years ago, Carballo joined former Ginebra players who got together for a reunion during Rino Salazar’s visit. “We had a solid team with Dodot Jaworski, Vince Hizon, Noli Locsin, Bal, Marlou Aquino, EJ Feihl, Benny Cheng, Wilmer Ong, Pido Jarencio, Jayvee Gayoso, Cris Bolado and Mike Orquillas with Rino as assistant coach,” he said. Asked about Carballo, Hizon replied: “Monchet was everything you would want in a team manager, approachable, encouraging, very supportive and all class. He pushed you in the right way to strive as hard as you could because you knew that he and the management were all behind you.”

Carballo and his wife Ellen are now into food catering, specializing in Spanish dishes like callos and paella and setting up Fruits In Ice Cream stations for parties and events.  Carballo, a La Salle graduate, remains a rabid sports fan, particularly following UAAP women’s volleyball and men’s basketball as he attends every game to cheer for his school at courtside.