Rookie Royce Mantua embraces role in San Miguel’s title run despite limited minutes

From the opening tip on Sunday night, San Miguel Beer made its intentions unmistakably clear. What had the makings of a tense, hard-fought Finals showdown instead became a composed and authoritative display, as the Beermen dictated the pace from start to finish and left little doubt about the outcome. By the time the final buzzer echoed through the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel had once again asserted its dominance atop the PBA, dispatching TNT, 92–77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals in six games.

It was a championship-clinching performance that reflected San Miguel’s pedigree—poised, physical, and relentless on both ends of the floor. The Beermen controlled the rebounding battle, imposed their size in the paint, and locked in defensively whenever TNT threatened to make a run. The victory not only delivered another title to the storied franchise but also reinforced its standing as the league’s gold standard in the all-Filipino conference.

At the center of it all was June Mar Fajardo, the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player whose name has long been synonymous with sustained excellence and championship success. In a performance befitting his legacy, Fajardo delivered a dominant 29-point, 23-rebound outing, anchoring San Miguel on both ends and overwhelming the Tropang Giga with his presence inside. Time and again, he provided timely baskets, secured crucial rebounds, and served as the stabilizing force whenever the game demanded composure.

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Fajardo’s masterpiece earned him another historic milestone, as he was named the league’s first-ever Finals MVP—an award newly named in honor of PBA legend Ramon Fernandez. The moment carried added significance, with Fernandez himself watching courtside as the honor was bestowed on the modern-day giant who continues to define an era.

While Fajardo naturally drew much of the spotlight, San Miguel’s championship run was, by all accounts, a collective effort. From the veterans who logged heavy minutes to the role players who provided energy and discipline, the Beermen thrived on depth and buy-in. Even those who saw limited action on the floor found meaningful ways to contribute, including rookie guard Royce Mantua.

THEY WOKE UP IN A NEW PBA SEASON 🏀

San Miguel Beermen rookie Royce Mantua joins veteran Mo Tautuaa in a TikTok trend, showing early chemistry ahead of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup! | via Vlon Bandivas/One Sports#PBA50 #PBASolid #OSTimeout pic.twitter.com/IcJonjuQs1

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Despite struggling for consistent game time, Mantua firmly believes he played an integral role in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup triumph. The first-year player embraced his responsibilities behind the scenes, particularly during practices, helping ensure the team was prepared night after night throughout the grueling conference.

“It’s very surreal. I’m very afloat. So I’m very happy to be part of this team and I’m also very proud of my teammates. They all really worked really hard to get this championship and so did I,” Mantua said in a media interaction.

The numbers tell a modest story. Mantua logged just 22 total minutes across eight games in the Philippine Cup, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Yet for the rookie, contribution went far beyond box-score production. He took pride in pushing his teammates during training sessions and fulfilling the role expected of him as a young player learning the ropes on a title-contending squad.

“I played a big role just like helping them out during practices and all. I know I rarely played. That’s like part of my role, too, as a rookie. I’m very young and I still have a lot of potential to show throughout my future career. So, I’m looking forward to that,” he added.

Selected 33rd overall in the third round of the PBA Draft, the shooting guard acknowledged that opportunities were limited on a roster stacked with seasoned veterans and established stars. Still, Mantua made it clear that the experience of being part of a championship environment—learning daily from proven winners—was invaluable and something he would not trade for anything.

“Just the whole experience, just playing a game, that’s pretty much it. No holding back, just have fun pretty much. And sharing that experience that they have, I’m learning a lot,” Mantua concluded.

As San Miguel celebrates yet another title in its decorated history, stories like Mantua’s underscore the culture behind the championships—one built not only on superstar performances, but also on patience, preparation, and collective sacrifice. For the Beermen, the present is defined by banners and trophies. For their young rookie, it may well be the foundation of a promising future shaped by lessons learned on basketball’s biggest stage.

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