Vic “Muscle Man” Manuel is once again turning the page on his basketball career.

The veteran forward has officially stepped away from the Converge FiberXers, closing a short but purposeful stint with the young franchise. While his time in a Converge jersey didn’t stretch long enough to produce headline numbers or dramatic moments, his exit has reignited curiosity around one question: what’s next for one of the PBA’s most rugged and recognizable big men?

Manuel’s departure was made public through a brief yet sincere message online, where he thanked the team for the opportunity and wished them well moving forward. There was no hint of controversy—just a veteran acknowledging a chapter that had run its course. For Converge, it was a calculated short-term move. For Manuel, it was another stop in a career built on adaptability.

Signed late in the Philippine Cup, Manuel was never expected to be a cornerstone. Instead, he was brought in to provide something Converge couldn’t teach overnight—experience. At 38 years old, Manuel offered a steady presence in practices, physicality in limited minutes, and a voice that carried weight inside the locker room. He understood the assignment and played it accordingly.

Though his on-court role was modest, Manuel’s influence went beyond the box score. Younger teammates benefited from his communication on defense, his willingness to do the dirty work, and his ability to stay ready despite inconsistent minutes. For a rebuilding team still finding its footing, those details mattered.

Still, timing plays a major role in professional basketball. As Converge continues shaping its rotation and prioritizing player development, both sides recognized that extending the partnership wasn’t necessary. Manuel, meanwhile, had another opportunity waiting—one that offered a different kind of challenge.

Instead of staying stateside, Manuel is set to compete overseas as part of the Zamboanga Valientes in the Dubai International Basketball Championship. The tournament has steadily gained recognition as a destination for seasoned players looking to test themselves against international competition while remaining game-ready.

For Manuel, the move is less about chasing the spotlight and more about staying in rhythm. After stepping away from the PBA previously, he showed he could still contribute at a high level during his time in the MPBL, where he played a key role for Pangasinan. That run reminded many that while his athletic peak may be behind him, his toughness and basketball IQ remain very much intact.

The Dubai tournament presents a fresh environment—new opponents, unfamiliar systems, and a faster adjustment curve. It’s the kind of challenge that appeals to veterans who still love the grind of competition, and Manuel fits that mold perfectly.

Throughout his career, Manuel has rarely followed a straight path. He rose from being an overlooked role player to becoming a dependable frontline presence, eventually earning championship experiences and carving out a long stay in the league. Trades and transitions became part of the journey, but effort was never questioned.

The “Muscle Man” moniker was built not just on strength, but on willingness. Manuel built a reputation for battling inside, absorbing contact, and embracing roles others might avoid. Even as younger, faster players entered the league, he found ways to remain useful.

For Converge, moving forward without Manuel means turning the page fully toward its youth movement. The team now leans more heavily on developing big men to take ownership of the frontcourt, learning through reps rather than mentorship. It’s a natural step for a franchise focused on long-term growth rather than short-term fixes.

As for Manuel, the road ahead remains open-ended, and that seems just fine with him.

Whether the Dubai stint leads to another overseas opportunity, a return to Philippine basketball, or a gradual transition into a different role within the sport, Manuel continues to move on his own terms. Retirement may eventually come, but it’s not dictating his decisions just yet.

For now, Vic Manuel is still chasing competition, still answering the call to play, and still proving that toughness doesn’t expire easily. Wherever the next stop may be, the Muscle Man remains exactly what he’s always been—a professional who refuses to fade quietly.