The rain was coming down in sheets as I hurried into the ARENA, shaking the water off my jacket and scanning the nearly-empty stands. It was one of those classic Manila downpours that makes you question why anyone would schedule an outdoor event during rainy season – until you remember we're safely indoors, watching the PBA. I found my usual seat, the one with the slightly torn cushion that's become my lucky spot over the years, and pulled out my phone to check if tonight's game was still happening. That's when I saw it – the official announcement that despite the weather outside, the PBA Rain or Shine game schedule remained unchanged, with tonight's match proceeding as planned against the Terrafirma Dyip.
I've been following the PBA since I was a kid dragged along by my father, who never missed a game unless there was an actual typhoon warning. There's something special about basketball in the Philippines – the energy in the arena when it's packed, the way complete strangers become instant friends when their team scores, the collective groan when a three-pointer rattles out. Tonight felt different though, with maybe two dozen of us scattered throughout the massive arena, creating these isolated pockets of fandom rather than the usual roaring crowd. The players were warming up on court, their sneakers squeaking in the near-silence, the sound echoing in the cavernous space.
As I watched the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters running through their drills, my mind drifted to last month's draft and that surprising first pick. GEO Chiu was picked No. 1 overall by Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Draft, a move that had everyone in my basketball chat group arguing for days. Some called it a genius selection, others a desperate gamble. Personally, I thought Terrafirma made the right choice – Chiu's college performance was outstanding, and at 6'10", he brings that rare combination of height and agility that could really shake up their frontcourt. I've been tracking his development since his UAAP days, and there's something about his footwork that reminds me of a young June Mar Fajardo, though I might get some arguments about that comparison.
The game started with that familiar buzz of the shot clock, and I found myself leaning forward, completely drawn in despite the sparse attendance. Rain or Shine came out strong, hitting their first three shots from beyond the arc, while Terrafirma seemed to be struggling to find their rhythm. I couldn't help but notice how different the game feels with so few spectators – you can actually hear the coaches yelling instructions, the players communicating on defense, even the sound of the ball bouncing on the hardwood. It created this strangely intimate atmosphere, like we were watching a private practice session rather than a professional basketball game.
By halftime, Rain or Shine had built a comfortable 15-point lead, and I took the opportunity to check the upcoming match details on the PBA app. Their schedule shows they're facing Barangay Ginebra next week in what promises to be a much different environment – that game will likely be sold out days in advance. The contrast between tonight's quiet gathering and the electric atmosphere of a Ginebra home game perfectly captures what I love about the PBA. There's this beautiful unpredictability to it all – from the games themselves to the experience of watching them.
The third quarter brought a dramatic shift as Terrafirma started feeding the ball to their rookie big man. GEO Chiu, who had looked somewhat tentative in the first half, suddenly came alive with back-to-back baskets followed by a monster block that even drew applause from the Rain or Shine fans in attendance. This is why I've always believed the draft system is so crucial for teams like Terrafirma – finding that franchise-changing player who can alter the course of a game, and potentially a season. Chiu finished the quarter with 12 points and 8 rebounds, single-handedly bringing his team back within striking distance.
As the final minutes ticked down, with Rain or Shine clinging to a narrow 3-point lead, I found myself thinking about how basketball in the Philippines has evolved over the years. When I first started watching in the early 2000s, the game felt different – less structured offense, more individual brilliance. Today's PBA has become more systematic while still retaining that flash of creativity that makes Philippine basketball unique. The league has grown from that 1975 inaugural season to this 50th season milestone, surviving economic crises, pandemics, and yes, even Manila's notorious weather.
The game ended with Rain or Shine securing a hard-fought 98-95 victory, but what stuck with me was the performance of that Terrafirma rookie. GEO Chiu finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks – impressive numbers for his professional debut. Walking out of the arena, the rain had finally stopped, leaving the streets glistening under the streetlights. I checked my phone again, confirming the details for next week's games, already looking forward to being back in my lucky seat, hopefully with a few thousand more friends this time. That's the thing about the PBA – whether it's pouring outside or the sun is blazing, whether the arena is packed or nearly empty, the games go on, and so do we, the fans, through every dunk, every three-pointer, every controversial call. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.