Published February 1, 2021, 5:33 PM
The Meralco Bolts began preparation for the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, by signing incoming 10-year swingman Allein Maliksi to a contract extension.
Maliksi inked on the dotted line while in the presence of team manager Paolo Trillo and agent Danny Espiritu, becoming the latest player to receive a fresh deal.
The Bolts had earlier given new contracts to veteran Reynel Hugnatan, backup big man Jammer Jamito and even Michael Canete, who was not part of the team’s campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The new deal came on the same day Meralco started group workouts at the Meralco Gym in Ortigas. The Bolts were one of the first squads allowed to train after securing a clearance from the Games and Amusements Board and the local LGU.
Cariaso said that re-signing Manuel was Alaska’s top priority while clarifying that the team had offered a two-year extension.
But his agent Danny Espiritu said that Manuel is still hoping for a change of scenery, even mentioning Phoenix Super LPG, NLEX and San Miguel Beer as among the teams he’s interested in joining.
Manuel’s post got more than 1,000 likes and several comments from fans who expressed hope that “The Muscleman” would join their team.
Teams that fans mentioned in the comments section were Phoenix, SMB, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia
Published January 9, 2021, 10:53 AM
Alaska forward Vic Manuel (PBA Images)
Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso said the team is fully committed to sign Vic Manuel a multi-year extension even after the veteran forward expressed his desire to be traded.
Cariaso met with Manuel Friday night to shed light on his trade demand which surfaced through a Spin.ph story that came out earlier in the day. Manuel was quoted as saying that he felt dismayed over the Aces’ offer of a one-year deal.
“I met with him last night and he was able to share with me his concerns, plans and desires. He candidly expressed that his contract situation at almost 34 years old, makes him constantly think about his family’s life after his career,” Cariaso said Saturday morning.
Jan 9, 2021
ALASKA coach Jeff Cariaso said wantaway Vic Manuel remains the top priority of the team to re-sign to a new contract despite his request to be traded out of the Aces.
Cariaso met with Manuel on Friday night to discuss his contract situation. The Aces coach declined to reveal details of what transpired during the meeting, except to say both sides agreed to remain open to possibilities. Vic and I left the meeting with an understanding on what possibilities the future may hold. I will keep the details private to maintain respect, said Cariaso. As always, I reminded him that doing things the right way will always be the best way that honesty, integrity, and honor must never wither as we discuss plans while understanding each other’s situation.
That partnership ended when Alaska dealt Abueva to the Fuel Masters in 2017-18 Season.
The two, however, maintained a close relationship particularly during the PBA restart at the bubble in Pampanga. Manuel averaged almost 16 points, six rebounds and two assists in the last Philippine Cup.
Aside from Phoenix Fuel, Espiritu said that Manuel mentioned NLEX as his preferred destination because of the latter’s desire to play for Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao, as well as San Miguel Beer because of Manuel’s close ties with one-time PBA MVP Arwind Santos.
Espiritu said that it is up to Alaska to look for a trade partner, although he mentioned that he understands that the Aces’ option is not limited to the three mentioned teams.