Engelland, Moore reunite with teammates

MANILA, Philippines — It was a sentimental homecoming for Chip Engelland and Jeff Moore as they were reunited with former Northern Cement/San Miguel Beer teammates in a gathering at Apartment 1-B Restaurant, Arya Residences, BGC the other night. Engelland is in town with Team USA’s coaching staff for the FIBA World Cup while Moore flew in to reconnect with friends and teammates on his first visit back to Manila in 38 years.

Hector Calma, Allan Caidic, Rep. Franz Pumaren, Peter Aguilar, Jerry Codiñera, Tonichi Yturri, Elmer Reyes and Jong Uichico attended the get-together hosted by Engelland. Samboy Lim’s wife Lelen came in the Skywalker’s behalf. Engelland also welcomed his best friend Alfie Almario’s widow Irene and her three children. Representing the late San Miguel Corp. chairman Ambassador Danding Cojuangco was his son Rep. Mark. NCC/San Miguel Beer team manager Chit Pineda joined the festivities and as he was Ambassador Danding’s emissary to distribute incentives to the players, was warmly greeted with cheers of “bonus, bonus.” Aguilar’s son Japeth, Gilas captain in the FIBA World Cup, arrived with his father. All in all, the reunion was a huge success and a wonderful trip down memory lane as the players recalled the highlights of their achievements.

Engelland said his stay in the Philippines for nearly three years made him the man he is today. He credited Ambassador Cojuangco, his late brother Henry and the family for the opportunity to play the game at a high level and bring honor to the country. While Engelland never suited up for the national team, he was a key piece in coach Ron Jacobs’ teams that won the FIBA Asia Interclub and Jones Cup titles in 1985. Moore was in the country for five years and played on the last Philippine squad to win the FIBA Asia Cup crown in Malaysia in 1985-86. At the time, FIBA allowed two naturalized players for each national team and Moore and Dennis Still suited up. Engelland was a year short of completing FIBA’s residency requirement for eligibility as a naturalized player. Moore and Still were on the NCC squad that took the PBA third conference crown in 1986.

Still couldn’t come to Manila as he’s undergoing medical treatment in Kansas. He lives in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico close to Moore’s home. In 2025, the NCC/SMB teams will celebrate their 40th anniversary and the players are planning a bigger reunion. Some players were not able to attend the recent gathering as Jun Tan is in Cebu and Al Solis, Yves Dignadice and Naning Valenciano are in the US. Teammates who’ve passed away were Almario, Teddy Alfarero and Rey Cuenco.

Engelland said the Philippines will always have a special place in his heart. “Once, I was dining alone in LA and a Filipino came up and invited me to join his table to keep me company,” he said. “I love the Filipino people. I know about chismis and bringing pasalubong. My dream is to one day, replay the Jones Cup final between the Philippines, represented by San Miguel, and the US for everyone to remember that incredible game with all our teammates as commentators. I’ve got a clear copy of the game and I’d like to share it.” Engelland said he remembers Ramon Fernandez as the PBA’s best player during his time but his idol was Robert Jaworski. Moore said he recalled accidentally elbowing Jaworski on the mouth during a PBA game. “He left to go to the hospital to get stitched then came back to finish the game,” said Moore. “That taught me about heart. Throughout my career as a national player, I left it all on the floor for the country, to honor the Filipino people.”