MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel are switching places with Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig as the teams figured in a two-for-two trade, the PBA announced on Monday, November 25.
Coming off a semifinal exit in the Governors’ Cup, the Beermen opted to retool their roster by letting go of Romeo and Manuel.
Romeo, 32, won three championships and a Finals MVP plum throughout his six-season stint with San Miguel, while Manuel, 37, helped the storied franchise capture two titles after joining in 2021.
With their trade to the Beermen, Tiongson and Cahilig will get a chance to contend for a championship as they reached the playoffs just once during their stint with the Dyip.
Tiongson and Cahilig, who are both 33 years old, played key roles when Terrafirma advanced to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup last season, with the team pushing San Miguel to a sudden death before bowing out.
But after that playoff appearance, the Dyip lost a huge chunk of their core, seeing Javi Gomez de Liaño move to Korea and then shipping Stephen Holt and Isaac Go to Barangay Ginebra as they returned to their losing ways.
Terrafirma garnered a 1-9 record in the Governors’ Cup.
Barring any more moves, Romeo and Manuel can make their debuts for the Dyip against Converge in the opening game of the Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, November 27, at the PhilSports Arena.
The Beermen, meanwhile, battle Phoenix on December 3. – Rappler.com
