Romwel Anzures

Former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star and incoming Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio. Photo from Facebook/PBA Rush.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757164036496IMG_8191.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star and incoming Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio. Photo from Facebook/PBA Rush."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star and incoming Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio. <em>Photo from Facebook/PBA Rush.</em></span></span></span>MANILA - LA Tenorio has said goodbye to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/28/its-official-la-tenorio-is-new-head-coach-of-magnolia-hotshots-1901"><strong>READ: It&#x27;s official — LA Tenorio is new head coach of Magnolia Hotshots</strong></a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/8/31/pba-chito-victolero-expresses-full-support-for-la-tenorio-magnolia-after-exit-2005"><strong>READ: Chito Victolero expresses full support for LA Tenorio, Magnolia after exit</strong></a></div><p>The former long-time floor general of the perennial crowd darlings, who is now the head coach of the Magnolia Hotshots, penned his parting message for the Gin Kings a day before he officially opens his journey with his new squad in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.</p><p>“19 years playing in the PBA, 13 years with Ginebra, I don&#x27;t even know where or how to begin,” the eight-time PBA Champion said in <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQewBZk5t2/?img_index=1">a social media post</a>.</p><p>“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 to the love of the game. It has been my passion and love.’”</p><p>“All I can 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,” he continued.</p><p>The Ateneo de Manila University product won all but one of his total PBA titles with Ginebra alongside the likes of Scottie Thompson, Tim Cone, Japeth Aguilar, and Justin Brownlee.</p><p>But aside from his four Finals MVPs, Mythical Team citations, 2013 Best Player of the Conference award, and other on-court awards, it was also with the Gin Kings wherein he worked through and overcame his battle with cancer.</p><p>“I am forever thankful to the Lord for allowing me to play once again and inspire others. However, given circumstances, I know it has been a disappointment, and I sympathize with the fans for not seeing a Ginebra championship since January 2023,” he said.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>“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,” added Tenorio.</p><p>The former Gilas Pilipinas star also expressed his gratitude for his Ginebra coaches and the San Miguel Corporation bosses, but his message did not conclude before thanking his legions of Kabarangays.</p><p>“To all the fans - Barangay Ginebra, the best fans in the world - maraming salamat sa inyo! Hindi ko mararating kung nasaan man ako ngayon kung hindi dahil sa pagmamahal at suporta ninyo,” he said.</p><p>“Thank you for always believing in me and my fellow players, and for always fueling us with the never die spirit! It made me play basketball for sure at a higher level ever since! I will carry &quot;Pusong Ginebra&quot; and &quot;Pusong NSD&quot; with me always, wherever life takes me.”</p><p>And while he will be representing their lifelong rival Magnolia, Tenorio promises that he will be just as passionate and competitive as a coach like when he was the “Gineral” of the Gin Kings.</p><p>“Sa aking bagong chapter, bilang coach, I will continue to give my best and serve the game I love. Ang pagiging parte ng PBA family ay mananatili. This is not goodbye. Paalam sa jersey, pero hindi sa puso,” he said.</p><div>“Hindi ito pagtatapos. Ito ay pagpapatuloy ng pasasalamat, ng pagmamahal, ng pusong hinding-hindi maglalaho. Ito ay hindi pamamaalam, kundi isang pagpupugay - sa samahan, sa laban, at sa alaala na kailanma&#x27;y hindi magigiba,” Tenorio ended.<br/><br/><strong>RELATED VIDEO: <span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dugvwnaWh-0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong></div>

<p>LA Tenorio has said goodbye to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.</p>

LA Tenorio has said goodbye to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

LA Tenorio bids Barangay Ginebra goodbye — ‘Paalam sa jersey, pero hindi sa puso’

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LA Tenorio bids Barangay Ginebra goodbye — ‘Paalam sa jersey, pero hindi sa puso’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 06, 2025 09:30 PM PHT

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Basketball

ABSSports

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PBA

PBA Season 50

Barangay Ginebra

Magnolia Hotshots

LA Tenorio

PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft

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