“We’ve been here before”: Bong Quinto not using grueling schedule as an excuse for Meralco’s mixed PBA start

The Meralco Bolts have endured a mixed start to the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, splitting their first six games with a 3–3 record to sit sixth in the standings.

Their most recent outing ended in disappointment, falling to the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, October 26, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Following the loss, forward Bong Quinto addressed the media, acknowledging the challenges posed by the team’s packed calendar this season.

“You can say that the schedule is a factor, but of course, we wanted this. We’ve been in this kind of situation before. If you notice, our games are scheduled consecutively,” Quinto said.

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Meralco are currently juggling commitments in both the Philippine Cup and the ongoing 2025–26 East Asia Super League (EASL) season—a demanding setup that leaves little room for rest. Still, this marks the third straight year the Bolts are competing in the EASL, and Quinto noted that the team has learned how to manage the grind.

NO ROAD BLOCKS 🛣️

JB Bahio and the NLEX Road Warriors ride on a smooth momentum to escape the Meralco Bolts and secure win no. 3 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup eliminations!#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/2KF2UKXWaM

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 26, 2025

“We’ve played these kinds of schedules before. In a span of ten days, we play a lot of games, but we always go back to the fact that we’ve been here before,” he added.

The schedule offers no relief for Meralco, who return to action against the TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday, October 29, again at the Ynares Center. Shortly after, the team will fly to Taiwan to face the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in EASL play on Sunday, November 2, at the Taoyuan Arena.

Quinto, now 30, admitted the dual commitment is taxing but emphasized the importance of staying focused and consistent as the Bolts aim for a deep playoff run.

“We just prepare ourselves so we’re ready when the quarters, semis, or maybe even the finals come. But before that happens, we have to establish ourselves here in the eliminations,” he concluded.

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