PBA to review ‘cooking’ gesture as emotions spill over in Converge–Ginebra quarterfinal

What was supposed to be a showcase of playoff intensity has now crossed into a matter of league discipline.

The PBA Commissioner’s Office is set to call in Converge big man Justin Baltazar and assistant coach Humperdink Dimatulac following a controversial “cooking” gesture made during the FiberXers’ heated Philippine Cup quarterfinal clash against Barangay Ginebra on December 28.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that both Baltazar and Dimatulac will be summoned within the week, placing the spotlight on player and bench conduct amid rising tensions in high-stakes games. 

The gesture, made in clear view of the crowd, was widely interpreted as an expression of frustration toward the officiating during the knockout contest.

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Balti, @CFiberxers deputy Dimatulac summoned for ‘cooking’ gesture https://t.co/C6qekOXb1r

— Gerard Naval (@gerardnaval) January 5, 2026

The incident did not remain confined inside the arena. Short video clips capturing the gesture quickly circulated on social media, amplifying public scrutiny and prompting the league to step in and assess whether the act crossed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

The timing made the moment even more charged. Converge entered the quarterfinals holding the fourth seed and a twice-to-beat advantage, but saw its Philippine Cup run come to a dramatic end after falling to Ginebra in overtime, 99–98. 

The loss was sealed by a Stephen Holt three-point buzzer-beater, a finish that turned frustration into heartbreak for the FiberXers.

While emotions often run high in playoff basketball, the league’s response underscores its ongoing effort to maintain professionalism and respect—both toward officials and the game itself—especially as social media magnifies every on-court and sideline reaction.

Any potential sanctions against Baltazar and Dimatulac will be determined after their meeting with the Commissioner’s Office. 

For now, the episode serves as a reminder that in the PBA, how a team handles adversity can be judged just as closely as how it performs in crunch time.

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