Yeng Guiao sees growth beyond wins as Rain or Shine stays unbeaten 

For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the numbers tell one story, a flawless 5-0 start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. But for head coach Yeng Guiao, the real narrative runs deeper than the standings.

Their latest test came against the San Miguel Beermen, where Rain or Shine held firm in a 116-112 victory on Wednesday. 

It was another close battle added to their growing list of hard-earned wins—proof, according to Guiao, that the team is evolving in ways that don’t always show up in the win-loss column.

“Ito ‘yung progress na sinasabi ko. You progress in your maturity, you progress in your character, how to fight against adversity,” the veteran coach said.

After opening their campaign with a win over guest team Macau, the Elasto Painters were forced to navigate multiple challenges. 

Import Jaylen Johnson missed significant time, including about five-and-a-half quarters in a loss to TNT and a one-game suspension against Meralco. Yet instead of faltering, the team adapted.

Guiao pointed to those moments as defining stretches of their campaign.

“Lahat ng mahirap dinaanan na namin. Lumaban kami nang walang import na kalaban si Bol Bol. Lumaban kami nang walang import for the whole game, kalaban Meralco. Nag-lead kami ng 25 points, tapos naubos. Pero, naipanalo pa rin,” the 67-year-old head coach said.

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Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao: “Mabuti na lang nakalamang kami ng 25. Kung nagkataon na bente lang lamang namin, natalo pa kami” | @spinph pic.twitter.com/4T29D4jQra

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) April 8, 2026

When Johnson returned, the team didn’t just welcome him back—they made a statement. Rain or Shine dismantled the Blackwater Bossing in historic fashion, 151-95, setting a new record for the largest winning margin in league history.

He followed that up with 22 points against San Miguel, anchoring another crucial win that kept their unbeaten run intact.

Still, Guiao insists the standings are far from their priority. “We don’t even mind number one ka, number two ka sa standings. Importante lang makarating ka sa next round,” Guiao said.

For him, the goal is simple and that is to reach the quarterfinals with at least six to seven wins—and let everything else follow.

Behind that mindset is a deliberate effort to shape a team that thrives under pressure. Guiao has long been known for building disciplined, defensive squads, but this iteration of Rain or Shine is showing a different edge, one built on trust and composure in chaotic moments. 

Rather than relying solely on systems, Guiao has given his players room to respond, adjust, and grow through each test, a shift that is now paying dividends in close games.

The Elasto Painters will look to extend their streak when they face the Converge FiberXers, who currently hold a 1-4 record, on April 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

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