By MARK REY MONTEJO
Bong Quinto has been around for the Meralco Bolts and has seen and experienced all the past heartbreaks.
Now on his sixth year, the former Letran star wants none of that as he hopes to help the Bolts write a sweeter ending this time around as they face their long-time nemesis Ginebra in a do-or-die semifinal match in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
The 29-year-old Quinto admitted the heartbreaks he sustained from the Gin Kings – none more painful than the two Finals losses back in his first two years in the league – serves as a huge motivation for the Bolts.
Quinto hopes to flip the script this time around and finally experience the taste of victory against the Kings.
“Feeling ko nakatulong ‘yong 3 a.m. kana makatulog. Sobrang stress po kami talaga, ito para saken ito po ‘yong experience kona hindi nato pang experience lang,” said Quinto.
“Diba usually pag-rookie ka, sophomore ka gusto mo ng experience, kaya ngayon talaga gustong-gusto ko talaga manalo [sa] Ginebra, parang ang experience ko pa sa Ginebra dalawang beses nako nilang pinaiyak sa finals eh,” he added.
Quinto’s grit for payback was evident as he starred with 23 points for Meralco in Game 6 to force sudden death with Ginebra. He joined hands with veteran Maliksi and mainstay Chris Newsome, who listed 14 and 21 points, respectively.
For Quinto, there’s always a distinct feeling when facing the Tim Cone-guided squad, urging him more to do better for his team.
“Tapos ganun na naman, sila na naman kalaban namin, so ‘yong para sa akin na lagi kong iniisip and naga-ask ako sa Panginoon na kung ano ang will, basta gagawin ko ang lahat para makatulong sa team,” he continued.
“Sa crowd din syempre, nandun rin ang wife ko eh. Inii-offer ko sa kanya ‘yong game, sa family ko and sa mga sumusuporta samin,” he added.
Meralco, however, is at the bitter end of its best-of-seven series against Ginebra, losing in all of their four matchups. As a franchise, the team is 0-6 in seven-game series — a curse of sorts the Bolts want to exorcise.
With the series on the line, Meralco hopes to break the curse in Game 7 against Ginebra at FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas Friday, May 31.
