Manila Classico No More: Meralco is Ginebra's New Rival
Is the Manila Classico no longer classic?
After tournaments wherein Ginebra and Meralco went head to head for the title, the Bolts had grown into a team tough enough to be in line with legendary teams in the history of the PBA. Despite not winning a single title yet, they've stolen the limelight after reaching the final stage twice where both attempts resulted in a defeat against the hands of the Gin Kings.
The question is, is Meralco and Ginebra the new emerging rival of this era?
Perhaps. It may even dilute the Manila Classico - Ginebra and Hotshots rival. In fact, the Manila Classico isn't heated up today as compared to its heyday for the last few years. Lineups had change and the seemingly classical rival will now only be a part of the history. Most of the players that made this rivalry prominent are out of the spotlight. New players specifically Scottie Thompson brought a revolutionary change for Ginebra which lead them to find a new match up -- the Meralco Bolts.
In fact, the Ginebra Meralco brawl already had some remarkable phenomena and unfinished businesses that make the PBA universe hungry for answers through fierce battles. The Meralco grief started at the moment when Japeth Aguilar hit a winning three -- a winning shot least expected to went in. But recently, this Philippine Cup, the Bolts stopped Japeth to make the same winning shot once again, saving their hopes of making it to the quarterfinals while leaving the Gin Kings one step short of entering the next level.
This cup's far from done for both these squads and their next encounter is much awaited.
Thus, this is a huge sign of the birth of this era's greatest rivalry.
The Meralco Bolts are eyeing for their 1st title while being compared to PBA's one of the finest teams in the history. On the other hand, Ginebra seeks to establish a Gin Kings Era and to do that, they'll have to cease the Bolts trailing behind them.
Your thoughts, the story is way better than Manila Classico this season, eh?
