Beau Belga staying put as Rain or Shine brings him back for 15th PBA Season 

In a league that never stops getting younger, Beau Belga is betting on familiarity — and Rain or Shine is welcoming it.

The Elasto Painters secured a stabilizing piece on Monday after signing the 39-year-old big man to a one-year contract, ensuring that one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players will return for a 15th season in orange and red. The move comes at a critical juncture for the team, which is entering a transition period following the retirement of longtime captain Gabe Norwood at the close of the PBA Philippine Cup.

Belga’s return is less about numbers and more about presence.

After battling a severe case of vertigo last season, the former PCU Dolphins standout took on a limited role in the All-Filipino Conference, averaging 2.3 points and 2.5 rebounds off the bench behind younger bigs Keith Datu and Caelan Tiongson.

But with Datu sidelined indefinitely due to a ruptured right patellar tendon, Belga’s value now extends beyond the box score.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

BIG BEAU STAYS

Rain or Shine veteran big man Beau Belga is locked in for his 15th season after signing a one-year contract extension with the Elasto Painters.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/tPt14hslff

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 19, 2026

His longevity with Rain or Shine is a stark contrast to his early PBA years. After brief and largely unremarkable stints with Purefoods, Burger King, and Meralco, Belga found stability when he joined the Elasto Painters in 2011 — a partnership that has since produced two championships and six Finals appearances.

Even as his role has evolved, Belga remains one of the few remaining links to Rain or Shine’s most successful era, making his return a bridge between past identity and present necessity.

The timing is deliberate. Rain or Shine’s Season 50 All-Filipino campaign ended earlier than expected, bowing out in the quarterfinals to Meralco despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage — a result that underscored the thin margin between contention and reset.

Belga’s signing was formalized in the presence of team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and team manager Jireh Ibanes, with the veteran big man accompanied by his representative Danny Espiritu, signaling the organization’s commitment to continuity amid change.

At 39, Belga may no longer be the bruising interior force he once was, but for Rain or Shine — navigating injuries, leadership turnover, and unmet expectations — experience still carries weight. And for at least one more season, the Elasto Painters are choosing to lean on it.

 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!