Retro gig brings back fond memories

MANILA, Philippines —  The PBA’s Philippine Cup offering on its 50th Anniversary bash last Wednesday was teeming with nostalgia.

San Miguel Beer put on the classic white top with red trunks uniforms worn by the likes of the late Yoyong Martinez in the early 80s. The Beermen’s rival, Meralco, also went “retro,” using the orange jerseys Robert Jaworski and Co. donned during the club’s MICAA days in the 70s.

Jimmy Noblezada, the original “Ironman” who saw action in the very first PBA game half a century ago, intensified the “throwback” atmosphere at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum with his presence, even jokingly banging his body with SMB’s June Mar Fajardo and Meralco’s Raymond Almazan before the tipoff of the retro game.

Elmer Cahabug, one of the league’s greatest shooters, joined Noblezada and thousands of fans wearing “PBA 50” shirts in the celebration.

“Siyempre nostalgic ang tema. Kasi pinapanood ko ‘yung mga mga ganitong klase na games sa YouTube lang, black and white pa. Kaya ayun, ang saya namin. Sana may mga games na retro uli,” said Fajardo, the eight-time MVP who also will lead the 10 new additions to the “PBA’s 50 Greatest Players” in a formal gala tonight.

For San Miguel coach Leo Austria, there’s an extra nostalgic feeling in leading his team at the RMC.

“Talagang maraming memorable moments for me dahil during my amateur days, most of my games were played at Rizal Memorial. When I was in Lyceum, we won the championship at Rizal Memorial and then with Masagana, we won six consecutive championships in the National Seniors. So Rizal Memorial is really dear to me,” said Austria, his heart tugged by the fond memories.