Abra Weavers quick to reach MPBL summit

MANILA, Philippines — Disappointed after reaching only the quarterfinal playoffs in their maiden season last year, Abra Solid North Weavers owner Cong. JB Bernos did the next best thing – prepared the team early and covered all the bases.

And it paid off with the North Weavers ruling the MPBL Season 2025 National Championship.

“We learned so many lessons from our initial foray, so I made sure to get the best people available around, from the manager to the players,” said Bernos. “And luckily, we were able to convince some of the best players around like Encho (Serrano) and Dave (Ildefonso). And everything just fell into place.”

Abra completed a triumphant journey in its MPBL second season, hitting the pinnacle in downing the Quezon Huskers, 94-85, in overtime to complete a three-game sweep of the MPBL Season finale last Tuesday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Apart from the team’s thorough preparation, Bernos also credited the strong family support – wife Rep. Ching Bernos and even his 78-year-old mother, Danglas Mayor Esther B. Bernos – for the team’s rise to the top.

“Everyone in the family and even the people of Abra, they love basketball so much that their support during our games, even during the elimination round was overwhelming,” said Bernos. “If you have the support of everyone you love and respect then everything looks easy. Sadly, my mother missed our championship because she had a prior commitment to her constituents.”

Abra’s desire, resolve and commitment netted a great run, including a record streak of 36 games.

Not to be overlooked were the performances of Serrano, Ildefonso and Fil-Am Jason Brickman.

Even then, the title series sweep came as a surprise to everyone, including Bernos, who was expecting a bad day but not in the first two games in their homecourt – the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.

The chance for the sweep came, and the Weavers just refused to let it slip away.

“We from Abra were glad for their valiant efforts,” said Bernos.