MANILA, Philippines — The quest for the Jun Bernardino Perpetual Trophy reaches its climax as the TNT Tropang Giga and the San Miguel Beermen face off once again in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for 7:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. For TNT, it is a chance at redemption after falling 4-2 to the Beermen in the same conference last season. For San Miguel, it is an opportunity to extend a decade of dominance in the All-Filipino tournament.
The “50 Percent” Philosophy TNT coach Chot Reyes highlighted the significance of returning to the big stage. “I have always believed that 50 percent of success in life lies in showing up,” Reyes said. “Fifty percent of the work is getting here. But that doesn’t automatically guarantee success. The other 50 percent still has to be done.”
That “other 50 percent” involves overcoming a formidable San Miguel squad that has won seven of the last 10 Philippine Cup titles. Despite center June Mar Fajardo nursing a sore shoulder, the Beermen remain favorites behind the explosive CJ Perez, who is fresh off a 41-point masterpiece in the semifinals.
Retooled Tropang Giga Learning from last year’s injury-plagued finals run, TNT retooled in the offseason, adding defensive spark plug Jio Jalalon and versatile forward Kevin Ferrer. They join a core led by Jordan Heading, Calvin Oftana, and Rey Nambatac. However, the Tropang Giga face a hurdle as star shooter RR Pogoy remains doubtful for Game 1 due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Austria’s Clean Record Beermen coach Leo Austria remains wary of the challenger. Austria currently holds a perfect 7-0 record in Philippine Cup Finals appearances and is aiming for his eighth.
“A lot of people are expecting us to dominate,” Austria said. “But for me, it’s not that easy. After winning a championship, everyone is thinking about how to take it from us. I’m expecting a very tough opponent.”
As the two winningest franchises of the modern era collide, fans can expect a tactical chess match between Reyes and Austria. Will the Tropang Giga’s depth be enough to “finish the job,” or will the Beermen’s championship DNA prevail once more?