Garcia focused on task of winning amid talk of disgruntled RoS stars

MANILA, Philippines — Going into Friday night’s game, Caloy Garcia knew he had to wrestle with a big task.

And that task wasn’t solely hinged on winning.

With three of Rain or Shine’s main cogs reportedly asking for a trade, Garcia felt the heavy burden of not only securing a victory but also drumming up a tune to which the whole team could join in cadence.

“It was more of a challenge on my side to try to get the players motivated,” he shared.

READ: Tiu takes charge in the clutch as Painters brush off struggling Bolts

"Well, we all know going into this game na may lumabas na issue regarding those three players. But sabi ko nga sa kanila we just have to be professional about it and put the effort,” he added.

Earlier this week, a report by Spin.ph said that Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga and Jericho Cruz have appealed to be shipped out of the team.

The thing is, Garcia said, the rumors are just that. Rumors.

"Ang nakakatawa lang is that hindi naman sila nagpapatrade eh,” the second-year Painters mentor revealed. “That's the only thing na [shocked] me.”

“We know from the beginning that si Jericho naman, he really wants, I think, to go back to coach Yeng [Guiao],” Garcia explained. "And just to clear everything out, good terms kami ni Raymond. Si Beau, matagal na yang isyu na 'yan, years ago pa ‘yan.”

“Sabi ko nga sa kanila we just have to be professional about it and put the effort because ang nagbabayad naman talaga sa salary nila is 'yung owners and that's the only way that we can repay them,” he continued.

Asked for a comment, Jericho Cruz politely declined. Belga, for his part, had a lot to say.

"Talagang ako, I'm with Rain or Shine as of now and I need to play kasi sila — 'yung mga boss sa Rain or Shine — ang nagbibigay sa akin ng pangkain sa family ko,” said Belga.

"Kung gusto nila ako i-trade wala naman ako magagawa doon pero as of now, I'm with Rain or Shine, and I need to play well for them,” the stocky big man added.

Cruz, on the other hand, has been put on the trading block Thursday.

READ: Jericho Cruz placed on trading block as Rain or Shine faces Meralco

Good thing though, that the Elasto Painters have won over the Meralco Bolts and are on a three-game winning streak.

Is a Rain or Shine breakup imminent? As the cliché goes, "Only time will tell."