A Historic Return to Zamboanga
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) makes a long-awaited return to Zamboanga City this weekend, rekindling the southern city’s deep-rooted passion for basketball. Proud sons of the region, Mark Barroca of Magnolia and RR Garcia of Phoenix Super LPG, headline the action in an exciting showdown set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
This rare out-of-town PBA game not only revives Zamboanga’s basketball spirit but also pays homage to its rich history of producing top-level talents, from Alfonso Marquez in the MICAA era to the likes of Jay Mendoza, Rudy Lingganay, Gec Chia, and the Tolomia brothers in more recent years.
Spotlight on Mark Barroca and RR Garcia
A major part of the buzz surrounding this match is the homecoming of Barroca and Garcia, former teammates at Far Eastern University (FEU) who continue to make their mark in the PBA well into their 30s.
Mark Barroca enters the contest riding high after delivering clutch heroics in Magnolia’s thrilling 98-95 overtime win against San Miguel Beer before the PBA’s Holy Week break. Despite struggling for most of the game — missing his first eight field-goal attempts — Barroca rose to the occasion, sinking back-to-back critical baskets to preserve the Hotshots’ perfect 3-0 start in the Philippine Cup.
RR Garcia, meanwhile, helped Phoenix snap its early-season skid. After starting the tournament 0-2, the Fuel Masters bounced back with a convincing 109-97 victory over the Meralco Bolts, with Garcia contributing to the breakthrough effort.
Their respective homecomings add extra flavor to the matchup, with both veterans eager to perform in front of their fellow Zamboangueños.
Magnolia’s Mindset: Testing Character
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero sees this matchup as an important test for his squad. Fresh off a hard-fought overtime win, Victolero emphasized the value of grinding games in gauging the team’s development at this point in the season.
“We need this kind of game, an overtime game, a grinding game to test our character and to test where we are at this stage of the league,” Victolero said.
He added that the victory over San Miguel was an added bonus heading into a long break, allowing the Hotshots to regroup while maintaining momentum.
Phoenix’s Renewed Spirit: Finding Joy in the Game
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin reflected on the team’s earlier struggles, noting that despite doing all the right things — practicing diligently, putting in extra work, and following coaching instructions — results had been elusive.
The turning point, Jarin shared, was a simple but powerful shift in mindset: embracing fun and rediscovering their love for the game.
“Probably we were pressuring ourselves too much… So we all just gathered together, had fun, played our game, and stayed together,” said Jarin.
With their morale uplifted and a win finally under their belt, the Fuel Masters aim to even their record at 2-2 with another strong showing against the unbeaten Hotshots.
A Game Beyond Wins and Losses
Saturday’s matchup in Zamboanga is more than just a regular season game. It’s a celebration of homegrown talent, a reminder of the city’s vibrant basketball culture, and a testament to the enduring dreams of players who once honed their skills in its courts.
For Barroca, Garcia, and their fellow cagers, it’s an emotional return — and for Zamboanga’s basketball fans, it’s a long-overdue gift.
As both teams chase their respective goals, expect a night of intense competition, heartfelt moments, and a community coming together around the game they love.