The long-running rivalry between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Magnolia Hotshots took center stage once again as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) officially opened its 50th season with a thrilling Manila Clasico showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
The league marked its golden milestone with an evening of celebration, beginning with the prestigious Leo Awards, which recognized the standout performers from Season 49. Fans packed the Big Dome early, eager to witness both the award ceremony and the first clash of the new season between two of the league’s most popular franchises.
Among those vying for top honors at the Leo Awards was June Mar Fajardo, who was heavily favored to capture a record-extending ninth Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. The San Miguel Beermen star continued to dominate the league last season and looked poised to further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest PBA players of all time. Other MVP contenders included Robert Bolick of NLEX, Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, and Calvin Oftana of TNT. The night also honored emerging talents, with the Rookie of the Year race drawing attention to rising stars such as Sedrick Barefield, RJ Abarrientos, and CJ Cansino, who all made impressive debuts in the league’s 49th season.
After the awards ceremony, the spotlight shifted to the hardwood as Ginebra and Magnolia reignited their fierce rivalry in the season-opening Manila Clasico. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the matchup was the perfect choice to kick off the golden season, noting that no other pairing captures the league’s passion and tradition quite like this storied duel.
Adding more intrigue to the opening game was the sideline reunion between Coach Tim Cone and his former player LA Tenorio, who now serves as Magnolia’s playing coach. Once mentor and protégé during their Alaska days, the two faced off this time on opposite benches — a subplot that added a sentimental twist to the high-stakes encounter.
Both squads entered the new season with renewed energy and revamped rosters. Ginebra bolstered its lineup with Norbert Torres and rookie Sonny Estil, though they will miss Jamie Malonzo, who is currently pursuing opportunities overseas. Magnolia, meanwhile, strengthened its core with Paolo Taha and Javi Gomez de Liaño, joining key veterans Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Mark Barroca in their quest to reclaim championship glory.
Despite finishing strong in the eliminations last season, Ginebra fell short of a title in the import-laden conferences, while Magnolia continues to chase its first championship since the 2018 Governors’ Cup. Both teams entered the court hungry and determined to make a statement — fitting for a night that symbolized the PBA’s rich legacy and enduring spirit.
As the lights dimmed and the opening tip-off signaled the start of another chapter in Philippine basketball history, one thing was clear: the Manila Clasico remains as electrifying as ever — a perfect beginning to the league’s 50th season.
