Jared Dillinger.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—As the yuletide season rolled around Araneta Coliseum on Monday, several PBA stars shared the best gifts they received for the holidays.
Ginebra’s Jared Dillinger was most certainly excited about the unique gifts he got for the holidays.
How unique? Well, they’re in the form of cryptocurrency video games.
“I’ve been getting lots of Web3 video games. I’ve been playing them a lot lately so I’d say that’s one of the coolest ones I’ve been getting… It’s like cryptocurrency video games. Think of Call of Duty, Fortnite, except Web3 gives you digital ownership,” explained a jolly Dillinger before the Gin Kings’ 86-78 win over TNT.
“I got like 50, so I’m playing them all. It’s going to be the next revolution.”
On the other end of the court, the Tropang Giga still wore smiles on their faces despite the loss.
TNT forward Calvin Oftana revealed that he gave himself a present for the special day.
“Material-wise? I bought a PS5 and liked it because it’s for myself,” said the San Beda product in jest despite the defeat.
It seemed like getting a gaming console put him at ease inside the court, as well, as he finished with 27 points in the loss.
Tropang Giga coach Jojo Lastimosa also had a reason to feel good about during this holiday season.
“This year, I think the gift from our daughter was the best. She gave me and my wife concert tickets to James Taylor,” said the top tactician.
Terrence Romeo.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Christmas is all about giving, so when San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo was asked about what he’s thankful for, he talked about giving back to the league’s fans.
“This is our gift to the PBA, San Miguel and Phoenix fans. I’m sure Phoenix [players] sacrificed because instead of celebrating with their family, they played us so this is our gift for all of them,” said Romeo after finishing with 22 points in San Miguel’s 117-96 win over Phoenix.
“I didn’t receive much this Christmas so maybe I’m really thankful for my family’s health… And this is also a good Christmas gift, a win for us,” he added.
Intangible gifts are just as sweet as physical or virtual gifts. Just ask San Miguel’s Simon Enciso and TNT’s Roger Pogoy.
For San Miguel’s Simon Enciso, hearing the news of his sister’s upcoming baby was the highlight of his holiday—that, and he celebrated the season with good health alongside his comrades.
“I got a couple [gifts]. My sister just announced that she’s having another baby boy so that’s another blessing to our family. Then, all my loved ones, close friends and people that are close to me are all healthy. That’s the best gift God has given me this year,” said Enciso.
Enciso also thanked his fellow Beermen for sticking with him despite his injury.
“[I’m thankful for] their support. I’m injured right now but they don’t make me feel left out. They always include me in everything they do like warm-ups and even in the game so their unconditional support for me is a good gift.”
Roger Pogoy.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
TNT shooter Roger Pogoy still couldn’t see action for Tropang Giga due to his myocarditis heart condition but he pulled up at the Big Dome with a big smile.
If there’s a certain present the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay is grateful for, it’s experiencing Christmas with his family for the first time in Manila.
“This is my first Christmas where it’s just us three; my daughter, my wife and me. We celebrated Christmas in a hotel so it’s really just us,” said Pogoy in Filipino.
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“Our family is usually in Cebu so before, we’re always there [to celebrate], we still had to go home for that. Now, though, it’s just us here in Manila.”