It’s official: Northport becomes ‘Titan Maxx’

A new team will grace the PBA’s 50th season after Pureblends Corp. formalized its takeover of the Northport franchise.

Calvin Abueva confirmed that the Titan Maxx Giant Risers will replace the Northport Batang Pier after posting the new jerseys on his Instagram account on Monday.

The league has yet to release an official statement but the acquisition has already been finalized and will be formally announced in a press conference today at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Bryann Calantoc, Pureblends’ team owner, will spearhead the presser as they will also unveil the team’s governor.

Former Terrafirma Dyip head coach Johnedel Cardel has already conducted team practices, according to Spin.ph.

Raymond Valenzona and Rensy Bajaar were appointed team deputies, while Adrianne Anglim has already started his team manager duties after handling player contracts before the start of the season.

Pureblends will boast a roster mixed with youth and experience as Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Jerrick Balanza, and the newly acquired Von Pessumal will lead the team alongside rookies Mario Barasi and Chris Koon.

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The NorthPort sale is finally a go, with Titan Maxx set to rise! 👍

Sources privy to the negotiation expect the announcement to be made on Wednesday’s press conference for the league’s golden season. #PBA50 #TitanMaxx #PureBlendshttps://t.co/CFpFSefCfC

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) September 30, 2025

Competitive expectations

Cardel was optimistic about the new franchise and said that the team has all the pieces to be competitive in its first season in the league.

“Kung ikukumpara ko ito kesa sa team ko sa Terrafirma, itong team na ito is may lamang na agad. May piyesa na,“ Cardel said 

For Cardel, the talent is present, but it will be how he motivates the team that will bring out the best of the still-unproven team.

“May piyesa na. Siguro papano na lang namin sila i-motivate kasi siyempre medyo di sila nakakalaro sa team nila before. That’s why may mga tuneup kami para makilala nila yung isat isa at maging team kami,“ he said.

The former Alaska player seeks to instill an aggressive mentality reminiscent of his star player, Abueva, as the team tries to find its identity in its first season.

“Sabi ko kailangan maging Calvin Abueva kayo kailangan maging matapang kayo kasi iyan ang kailangan sa PBA para tumagal kayo, kailangan matapang kayo hindi pwedeng soft,“ said Cardel.

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