Yeng Guiao downplays verbal spat with Bong Quinto during Philippine Cup quarterfinal

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup campaign hit a major roadblock on Saturday, December 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum after a 96–79 loss to the Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals.

Already facing a twice-to-win disadvantage, Rain or Shine not only absorbed a crucial defeat but also saw emotions boil over during the contest. Head coach Yeng Guiao was caught on camera directing heated words toward Meralco forward Bong Quinto at the 10:42 mark of the game. The incident followed an offensive foul called on Quinto after his elbow struck Gian Mamuyac in the face in the post. Guiao was subsequently assessed a technical foul.

The 66-year-old coach downplayed the exchange after the game, stressing that it was simply part of the competitive nature of basketball and carried no personal animosity.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao laments his team’s ugly quarterfinal loss to Meralco that forced a do-or-die. | @jonasterradoINQ

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“Wala naman ‘yun. Trash talking lang ‘yun. Natural lang ‘yun. That does not carry out of the game. So it’s nothing,” Guiao said.

“Actually, we expect it. But of course, mahirap kasi ‘yung sisikuhin mo sa mukha ‘yung kalaban mo. I don’t know if it’s by accident or just maybe trying to intimidate our players. But kasama rin ‘yan. Kasama naman lahat ‘yan. Kasama rin ‘yung trash talk, whether they are trash talking among themselves or I’m trash talking to them, that’s all part of it,” he added.

Despite the setback, Guiao remains focused on the bigger picture, with Rain or Shine still very much alive in the series. The Elasto Painters will get another shot at Meralco on Monday, December 29, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With their season on the line, Rain or Shine must regroup quickly and deliver a stronger performance to extend their Philippine Cup campaign and keep their championship hopes alive.

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