MANILA, Philippines – Alfrancis Chua, the sports director for San Miguel Corporation, has praised the San Miguel Beermen for winning the PBA Philippine Cup again and praised the team for exhibiting fortitude, pride, and championship character during a challenging finals campaign. Chua’s comments were made right after San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang 5G in Game 6 to win the championship and end the season.

Chua emphasized the accomplishment’s importance on several levels. San Miguel proved why it is still one of the league’s most illustrious teams by overcoming controversy and extreme pressure to win the coveted Jun Bernardino Trophy, which represents Philippine Cup supremacy. He presented the victory as evidence of the organization’s cohesion and San Miguel’s resilience.

Chua’s compliments were centered on the team’s leadership structure. He highlighted the well-rounded contributions made by franchise mainstays Chris Ross, Moala Tautuaa, June Mar Fajardo, Jericho Cruz, and CJ Perez. Chua pointed out that their combined effort demonstrated the depth and expertise required to prevail in mid-series conflicts and win crucial games.

Chua also emphasized how the squad handled losses earlier in the championship series, especially the controversy surrounding Game 1. San Miguel declined to react emotionally, even though many believed the officiating result was dubious. Instead, the company stayed focused, directed energy toward execution, and, rather than recoiling from adversity, used it to refocus. Chua said that this resolution demonstrated professionalism and maturity.

He gave the coaching staff, under the direction of Leo Austria, praise for their successful use of rotations and modifications. Austria produced consistent execution, particularly in close quarters, by emphasizing defensive energy, inside-out ball movement, and bench rotation. Chua believed that his strategic guidance was crucial to maintaining the team’s poise and victory margin.

Since it was the team’s 28th PBA title overall and solidified its position as the most decorated team in PBA history, the championship holds particular significance for San Miguel as it extended team’s and the league’s achievements. The Beermen contributed another chapter to their record-breaking history in the Philippine Cup. The trophy represented the organization’s accomplishment this season as well as the continuation of a longstanding heritage of excellence.

Chua also admitted that winning the Philippine Cup again helped him lessen the pain of losing in the finals the previous year. The 2025 victory denied TNT a sought Grand Slam opportunity while allowing the Beermen to exact revenge for losing to Meralco in 2024, which had prevented them from winning that title. In addition to providing emotional closure, the championship restored San Miguel’s dominance in the conference.

According to Chua, TNT’s heroic campaign enhanced San Miguel’s standing. A deep roster weakened by injuries and three finals berths this season made their march to the finals an impressive accomplishment. San Miguel demonstrated the distinction between depth and disruption, execution and endurance, by defeating a fierce opponent.

Chua conveyed a clear message to supporters and stakeholders: this triumph is a confirmation of one’s identity. It draws attention to San Miguel’s consistent hiring practices, culture development, and championship facilities. Adding role players like Jericho Cruz while preserving team cohesion strengthened the squad’s heritage and progress.

Given that it occurs during the franchise’s 50th anniversary season, the victory also has symbolic significance. This historic year served as a time for the league and club to consider their past and future goals. Winning the Philippine Cup in the midst of festivities—the season included international matches, vintage logos, and tributes to the greatest of all time—solidified the campaign’s dual identity as nostalgic and progressive.

Chua presented the title run as more than just a physical endeavor; it was a test of organizational concentration, leadership, and reaction to public scrutiny. He took pride in his team’s poise under duress and their capacity to unify all members—from players to management—around a single goal without sacrificing any of their principles.

Chua cited Game 4 and Game 6 as defining moments of San Miguel’s identity, citing their tenacity in the paint, rigorous rotation discipline, and crucial defense in the closing minutes. Through wise changes and team discipline, the Beermen were able to maintain control even when TNT presented periods of threat, such as Jordan Heading’s surges or good perimeter scoring.