For more than ten years, LA Tenorio wore Ginebra’s colors with pride. He was their steady leader, the “Gineral” who guided the team through championships and countless memorable battles. That’s why when he walked into the arena for his first Manila Clasico as a Magnolia Hotshot, the feeling wasn’t simple—it was bittersweet.

The Manila Clasico has always been the PBA’s most intense rivalry. Every time Ginebra and Magnolia meet, fans expect fireworks, and the crowd never disappoints. But for Tenorio, the game carried a different weight. Across from him were players he used to share victories with, coaches who once relied on him, and fans who cheered him on through the highs and lows of his career. It wasn’t just another game on the calendar—it was personal.

Tenorio himself admitted to having mixed emotions. On one side, he’s grateful. After everything he has endured, especially his health scare, simply being back on the court is already a win. Magnolia gave him a new chapter, and he’s determined to make the most of it. On the other side, there’s that undeniable connection to Ginebra. Years of battles, of clutch moments, of carrying the “Never Say Die” banner—it’s hard to set all of that aside.

The fans shared the moment with him. For many, it felt strange seeing Tenorio in a different jersey, even stranger watching him go up against the team he once led. But the respect was still there. The applause he received was proof that Ginebra supporters haven’t forgotten what he gave to the franchise.

At the end of the night, the game was bigger than the score. Tenorio’s first Clasico in Magnolia colors was a reminder that sports isn’t only about wins and losses—it’s about journeys. His story now continues on a different path, but his legacy with Ginebra remains untouched. And whether in red or in blue, LA Tenorio will always be remembered as one of the players who defined an era of PBA basketball.

Meanwhile, Blackwater Bossing hasn’t had it easy in the PBA. For years, they’ve carried the tag of being a bottom-dwelling team, more known for lopsided losses than for breakthrough wins. But this time, things feel different. By keeping Christian David and bringing in rookie guard Dalph Panopio, the Bossing may finally have the pieces to turn their fortunes around.

Christian David is one of the bright spots for the franchise. Young, versatile, and hungry, he gives Blackwater a player they can develop instead of just another name passing through the roster. He’s got the size to battle inside, the mobility to defend different positions, and the shooting touch to stretch the floor. By re-signing him, the team is making a statement: they’re committed to building around young talent instead of starting over every conference.

The addition of Dalph Panopio adds another layer of promise. Unlike most rookies, Panopio comes in with international experience, having played abroad and worn the Gilas Pilipinas jersey. He’s calm with the ball, smart with his decisions, and unselfish on offense—exactly the kind of floor general Blackwater has been missing. Pairing him with David gives the team a young one-two punch they can nurture for the future.

These moves might not instantly turn Blackwater into title contenders, but they do something just as important: they give the franchise direction. For the longest time, the Bossing have been known for quick fixes and constant roster changes. Now, with David locked in and Panopio joining the fold, there’s a sense of continuity. Fans finally have reason to believe the team is looking beyond the next game and focusing on the bigger picture.

Blackwater still has a lot of work to do—they’ll need the right veterans, a strong system, and patience to let these young players grow. But for the first time in years, the team looks like it’s building toward something. By re-signing David and drafting Panopio, the Bossing have given themselves—and their supporters—hope. And for a franchise that’s been waiting a long time for brighter days, that hope might just be the beginning of change.