How ‘Filipino Picker’ got his hands on a vintage PBA trophy

By Randy Caluag

MARK Anthony Kyle

Gianan,

popularly known as the “Filipino Picker” among local collectors, has one prized piece that stands out from among his vast sports collections—a trophy that was not won in any tournament, but acquired in a junk shop.

It’s a Philippine Basketball Association trophy, whose logo the pro cage league used between 1989 and 1992.

“It’s such an honor to own a piece of history. Forgotten treasures. Especially ones that are manufactured with obsolete materials. Nowadays, trophies are made of stainless steel and glass or acrylic,” Gianan told Manila Standard Sports.

“This is one of a kind and the last of its kind,” he said. Gianan was told that the trophy was actually a second-place PBA conference trophy. It was not known what team had won it and in what year and conference.

The famous collector described his find.

“The top is steel and aluminum.

The bottom is wooden infested with “anay” therefore damaging the label and name of the awardee.

It was damaged, but it was how the collectors wanted it best. The patina is just awesome from rust to the pest-infested wood. “

Gianan said the staff at the junkshop in Sampaloc, Manila, where he found it, claimed it was formerly owned by the father of actor Archie Alemania.

The piece ended up at the junkshop when the father passed away.

Tracing the trophy’s history, the Sampaloc area is very near the factory of the famous maker of medals and trophies, Angela Zamora Sons Inc., which was said to be owned by the father-in-law of former PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios. de Brito because of her knee injury.

Gianan said the trophy was signed by Barrios at the last History Con in Manila and is now stored at his Museo ng Kahapon in Boni, Mandaluyong. He also displayed the trophy at a weeklong exhibit at Greenhouse Mall in Alabang from June 12 to 18, along with his other vintage collections.

Among Gianan’s collections are the iconic Kaypee Futura shoes owned and signed himself by Alvin Patrimonio and former Crispa star Freddie Hubalde’s championship set-warmers, green leather bag, and team towels. His latest acquisition was a limited edition, autographed card set signed by basketball legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez.

The Philippines settled for fourth place in the biennial meet.

Valdez has been undergoing rehabilitation for her injury, which she sustained last December.

De Brito has been coaching the women’s team since July, 2021, and his two-year tenure is set to end by next month.

The women’s squad is currently competing in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women in Indonesia and has reached the quarterfinals.