PHLA Tenorio officially retired from pro basketball and bade goodbye to Barangay Ginebra as he embarks on the new challenge of coaching Magnolia for the PBA Season 50.
The 41-year-old Tenorio penned a personal note which he posted on his Instagram account on Saturday, thanking the San Miguel Corp. and Ginebra management, the Gin Kings’ legion of fans, along with his family.
“After 13 unforgettable years, I am beyond grateful. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa buong Barangay Ginebra family,” Tenorio wrote on his IG account.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng masasaya at malulungkot na panahong pinagsamahan natin, on and off the court. (Thank you very much for all the many happy and sad moments we’ve had on and off the court,” he continued.
“Hindi ko makalilimutan ang lahat ng alaala natin together — lahat ng sakripisyo, lahat ng tagumpay, lahat ng puso, na hindi sumusuko. (I will never forget all the memories we’ve had together— all the sacrifices, all the victories, the heart and for not quitting).” Tenorio, who won eight league PBA titles, seven with Ginebra during a 13-year career with the franchise, officially begins his coaching duty with Magnolia on Sunday in the PBA Annual Draft at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The emotional message included a look back at how he battled through colon cancer in 2023 and eventually, overcame it when he was given a clean bill of health last year.
“It was just yesterday I was battling cancer, and I remember saying in March 2023, ‘I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love,’” Tenorio wrote.
“All I could think of then was getting well and touching a basketball once again. I always imagined myself wearing my Ginebra jersey and being called again to the court — to lead the team I love and belong to, hopefully to a championship.” Tenorio capped his storied PBA career with a game-clinching triple to lift Ginebra to a thrilling 88-87 win in Game 6 to force a do-or-die match in their Philippine Cup semifinal series.
The Beermen though won Game 7, which knocked the Gin Kings out, as they went on to win the Philippine Cup title.
“I am forever thankful to the Lord for allowing me to play once again and inspire others. However, given the circumstances, I know it has been a disappointment, and I sympathize with the fans for not seeing a Ginebra championship since January 2023,” Tenorio said.
"As much as I would like to believe my work is not done and would love to play for Ginebra, opportunities and circumstances arise. With the utmost trust and love of the San Miguel management, my family and I believe it is best to take this opportunity and step into this next chapter of my life in the world of basketball - coaching," he continued.
"The Ginebra team is in good hands with its new court leaders and I have nothing but love for all of them."
"So, from the bottom of my heart... After 13 unforgettable years, I am beyond grateful. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa buong Barangay Ginebra family," he added.
The 41-year-old Tenorio penned a personal note which he posted on his Instagram account on Saturday, thanking the San Miguel Corp. and Ginebra management, the Gin Kings’ legion of fans, along with his family.
“After 13 unforgettable years, I am beyond grateful. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa buong Barangay Ginebra family,” Tenorio wrote on his IG account.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng masasaya at malulungkot na panahong pinagsamahan natin, on and off the court. (Thank you very much for all the many happy and sad moments we’ve had on and off the court,” he continued.
“Hindi ko makalilimutan ang lahat ng alaala natin together — lahat ng sakripisyo, lahat ng tagumpay, lahat ng puso, na hindi sumusuko. (I will never forget all the memories we’ve had together— all the sacrifices, all the victories, the heart and for not quitting).” Tenorio, who won eight league PBA titles, seven with Ginebra during a 13-year career with the franchise, officially begins his coaching duty with Magnolia on Sunday in the PBA Annual Draft at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The emotional message included a look back at how he battled through colon cancer in 2023 and eventually, overcame it when he was given a clean bill of health last year.
“It was just yesterday I was battling cancer, and I remember saying in March 2023, ‘I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love,’” Tenorio wrote.
“All I could think of then was getting well and touching a basketball once again. I always imagined myself wearing my Ginebra jersey and being called again to the court — to lead the team I love and belong to, hopefully to a championship.” Tenorio capped his storied PBA career with a game-clinching triple to lift Ginebra to a thrilling 88-87 win in Game 6 to force a do-or-die match in their Philippine Cup semifinal series.
The Beermen though won Game 7, which knocked the Gin Kings out, as they went on to win the Philippine Cup title.
“I am forever thankful to the Lord for allowing me to play once again and inspire others. However, given the circumstances, I know it has been a disappointment, and I sympathize with the fans for not seeing a Ginebra championship since January 2023,” Tenorio said.
"As much as I would like to believe my work is not done and would love to play for Ginebra, opportunities and circumstances arise. With the utmost trust and love of the San Miguel management, my family and I believe it is best to take this opportunity and step into this next chapter of my life in the world of basketball - coaching," he continued.
"The Ginebra team is in good hands with its new court leaders and I have nothing but love for all of them."
"So, from the bottom of my heart... After 13 unforgettable years, I am beyond grateful. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa buong Barangay Ginebra family," he added.