Final buzzer for Chua

Before the second game between Magnolia and Meralco at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last week, the PBA paid tribute to the late Red Bull/Barako Bull team owner George Chua with an emotional final buzzer, the league’s traditional way to bid a fond farewell to a comrade.

In a statement, the PBA through commissioner Willie Marcial said: “Si Ginoong Chua ay nagbigay ng malaking halaga sa istorya ng PBA buhat sa napakamakulay na kampanya ng Red Bull na nakilala sa bansag na ‘Ang Bumangga, Giba’ at nakasungkit ng tatlong kampeonato simula ng pagdating sa liga noong 2000 hanggang 2011. Sa Red Bull nanggaling ang tanyag na coach Yeng Guiao at miembro ng PBA 50 Greatest na sina Ato Agustin, Vergel Meneses, Willie Miller, Kerby Raymundo at Nelson Asaytono.”

Chua passed away last May 9, four days after he turned 71, survived by wife Rosy, three children Michael, Mark and Paul and seven grandchildren, Robyn, Joshua, Matthew, Lianne, Mason, Maverick and Catie. His wake was at Heritage and Fr. Lambert Ramos, who once was considered to be PBA commissioner and is now a priest, celebrated Mass on the second day. Among those who paid their respects at the wake were Mick Pennisi, Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva, Topex Robinson, Miller, Paolo Bugia, Gee Abanilla, Guiao, Andy Jao, Atty. Aga Francisco and Noli Eala.

“Our dad was a true fighter,” said eldest son Michael. “Probably one of his best traits. He would never give up and always had a positive outlook in basketball and in life. In basketball, we were always the underdog matched up against San Miguel and TNT teams but he always believed we could win. That rubbed off on the team and resulted in three PBA titles.”

Michael said his father’s most memorable achievement in the PBA was winning three titles with Red Bull. “The first in 2001 was the sweetest because it was so unexpected,” he said. “I read somewhere that it was the quickest championship won by an expansion team as it was only our fifth conference. We started our team in the PBL back in the ‘80s. My father continued to follow the PBA and basketball in general up until his last days.”

Abanilla, now San Miguel Beer team manager, was Red Bull assistant coach from 2004 to 2008, winning a title during that period. “What truly stood out about our Red Bull team was the strong sense of family and unity, a culture fostered by top management and coach Yeng,” said Abanilla. “Boss George was a gentle, generous leader who treated everyone like family. His kindness and humility left a lasting impact on all of us. We shared many unforgettable memories under his leadership and I remain deeply grateful for the care and support he consistently showed the entire team.”

As a parting note, the PBA said: “Maraming salamat, Ginoong Chua, malaki ang utang na loob sa inyo ng PBA, di kayo makakalimutan at magpahinga na kayo sa kapayapaan.”