After years of struggle, Juami Tiongson is finally a PBA champion with San Miguel after the Beermen won the Philippine Cup title in six games against TNT.
It was a championship 11 years in the making for Juami Tiongson.
Tiongson finally hoisted his first PBA trophy, following San Miguel's six-game conquest of the TNT Tropang 5G to capture the Season 49 Philippine Cup crown.
[RELATED STORY: June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross savor 11th PBA title with San Miguel Beermen]
Although he won four straight UAAP titles with Ateneo, the 34-year-old guard admitted that this breakthrough PBA title meant a great deal for him, considering all that he went through in his professional career.
“Means more to me, obviously with everything I went through in my career. Yung nag-start career ko wala na dapat sa PBA eh. Made it back glory to God,” said Tiongson, who was Blackwater's 12th overall pick in the 2014 Draft.
What makes this feat more special for Juami is the fact that his girlfriend and actress Arra San Agustin witnessed it live at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“She’s been there for me through a lot of downs and ups ever since I was in Terrafirma. It’s nice that she’s here,” he said.
[ALSO READ: June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross savor 11th PBA title with San Miguel Beermen]
Since entering the PBA, Tiongson hadn’t been as successful as he was in college with the Blue Eagles.
Nevertheless, Tiongson made do with what he had, including winning Most Improved Player in 2021. He eventually found his way to the Beermen this season after a trade with Terrafirma, opening his path for more team success.
After seeing Tiongson soldier through losing seasons, San Agustin believes her partner deserves this win.
“I’m really proud and really happy because I’ve been with him for a long time and I know his hardships, I know how hard he works,” she said.
“Si Juami, I always tell him na he’s the most disciplined and the most hardworking person I’ve ever known. He deserves this championship.”
[ALSO READ: Jericho Cruz basks in glory of fourth PBA championship, first Finals MVP]
Now that he’s tasted his first PBA championship, Tiongson couldn’t help but crave for more.
“Of course [I want to win more]. Let’s get greedy,” he said with a smile.
[ALSO READ: Perez, Cruz share spotlight as SMB finally sees off TNT in Game 6 for PBA Philippine Cup title]