More than five years ago, this author wrote about how Beau Belga would relish the role as a villain, a role fans would love to hate. He was an acknowledged enforcer, one who would make life difficult for the lead stars—from June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter, Marc Pingris and Ranidel de Ocampo to imports like Marqus Blakely and Ivan Johnson among others.
Admittedly, that toughness had certainly given him an edge over his opponents.
Then playing under head coach Yeng Guiao at Rain or Shine, Belga would try to get into his rival’s head. He would intimidate his opponent, playing a bit more physical than the usual and would not even help out a fallen counterpart even when it’s a big part of sportsmanship.
That’s one of the things Belga learned from the fiery multi-titled mentor.
“Sabi niya huwag kong itatayo ‘yung kalaban ko na natutumba because if I do that during the game, I’m going to lose my edge,” Belga said. “But after the game, puwede na kong makipagbiruan sa kanila, maski magsabay pa kaming mag-dinner.”
But these were just things of the past.
Belga, the burly but shifty big man, has evolved to become one of the stars in the PBA. Now more matured, the 6’5” former Gilas Pilipinas player has become more valuable both in offense and defense for the Elasto Painters, where he is now regarded as one of the leaders of the team.
In fact, Belga was also included in the Top 10 for most blocks averaged per game (at least a block per game) and as well as 2-point field goal shooting, hitting 54.84-percent.
These new roles now being portrayed by Belga is highly appreciated by his coach Caloy Garcia, a long-time assistant coach of Guiao. Garcia took over the helm from the seven-time PBA champion coach.
“Before, the challenge for me was ‘what would be the approach for my players’? When I was the assistant coach to Coach Yeng, I was so close with the players. Ayaw ko namang isipin nila na naging head coach lang ako, nagbago na ako. Even kay Beau, hindi ko nga rin alam kung kapag sinasabihan ko ba siya nagagalit na ba or binibiro lang ako eh. But one thing I like about Beau was he has learned to adapt to the changes and he knew how valuable he is now to this franchise,” added Garcia.
Two-time MVP James Yap continues to become the face of the franchise—and the league. Gabe Norwood has been a role model-type of a leader and Rain or Shine has been getting solid contributions from young players like Javee Mocon, Rey Nambatac, big men Sydney Onwubere and Norbert Torres and even rookie Adrian Wong, but the best thing for the Elasto Painters franchise is the much-improved game of Belga.
Belga has been unmasked and like actors we loved who used to play the villain and lead roles—from Hollywood actors like Al Pacino, Robert de Niro, Russell Crowe, and Jack Nicholson to the late great local actors like Eddie Garcia and Paquito Diaz—this Rain or Shine player’s star is now beginning to shine.
And yes, even fans are now starting to acknowledge Belga as a star player for his squad.
He’s smart. He’s versatile. He has that well-loved character that he can even take on anybody, including rabid Ginebra fans. I could imagine Belga aiming his “shot gun” at them each time he makes a three-point basket.
There’s no crowd in attendance as the PBA is now under a bubble set up, yet Belga is business as usual. He misses the heckling of the fans, but he would like to let everybody know that he is a man on a mission for the Elasto Painters.
Belga is ready to carry Rain or Shine on his back and all his team could do is hop in and enjoy the ride.
The villain is now a star.
