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Rain or Shine hopes to take PBA by storm
Manila Bulletin
August 28, 2008
A new name, a new game and a better direction for the PBA franchise of the Asian Coatings Philippines this time around.
To welcome the arrival of another blue-chip player into its fold who it hopes will help turn its fortunes around, Asian Coatings will carry one of its flagship brands -- Rain or Shine -- when it resumes its bid for a first-ever championship in the coming PBA Philippine Cup.
Known before as the Welcoat Paints Dragons, the Asian Coating franchise will now be called Rain or Shine Elastopainters.
Team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que are both optimistic of the positive impact the team's new name will have in the pro league, saying the product it is carrying right now is a catch phrase among Filipinos.
"It's easy to recall, so I hope we can attract more following since the PBA has been a reliable marketing vehicle for our flagship brands," said Yu. "But we promised to be more competitive this time around."
With the new name, coach Caloy Garcia hopes to use their No. 1 pick in the annual drafting on Sunday as part of their retooling process as the management is determined to paint a bright image to its company.
"New name means more wins for our team," said Que. "By owning the top pick, we are certain to do better in the coming conference."
With the possibility of getting either former PBL hotshot Gabe Norwood or Jared Dillinger, team manager and representative to the Board Mamerto Mondragon expects the team to be more exciting and vibrant for the coming season.
"Either of the two is a good choice, since both players can play small or big," said Yu. "We really need a guard who is capable of providing stability and firepower to the team."
Que is also hoping to tab former Harbour Centre stars Sol Mercado and TY Tang.
"If they are still available in the second round, we will get them," said Que.
Alternate PBA Governor Carlo Quevada further explained that the strategic corporate move is a fitting tribute to all the national business partners and die-hard supporters of the Rain or Shine Elastomeric Waterproofing Paints.
Last year, Rain or Shine selected Joe Devance as its No. 1 pick and also tabbed Ryan Araņa in the second round.
Yu and Que also plan to use the free agent market to beef up their team.