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Player Profile Series: Abet Guidaben – PBA Legend, 2 Slams
As we continue our Player Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on one of the most quietly dominant figures in Philippine basketball history — Alberto “Abet” Guidaben.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and hailing from Mambajao, Camiguin, Guidaben carved out a legendary career that spanned two decades. Born on September 14, 1952, he would go on to become a 16-time PBA champion, two-time MVP (1983 and 1987), and one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt forces during its golden era.
A product of the Agoho Pirates and the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Guidaben’s rise began with the Crispa squad in the MICAA in 1973. A year later, he represented the Philippines at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, playing alongside legends like Robert Jaworski.
Alberto "Abet" Guidaben
Name: Alberto Guidaben
Nickname: September 14, 1952
Hometown: Mambajao, Camiguin
Height: 6’5”
College: USJ–R
Position: Center /Power Forward
Jersey Number/s: 5, 32, 55, 41
Career history:
- 1973–1984 - Crispa Redmanizers
- 1985 - Tanduay Rhum Makers
- 1986 - Manila Beer Brewmasters
- 1987–1988 - San Miguel Beermen
- 1988 - Purefoods Hotdogs
- 1989 - Alaska Air Force
- 1990–1993 - Pepsi Hotshots/7-Up Uncolas
- 1994–1995 - Shell Rimula X
Career highlights:
- 16× PBA champion (1975 All-Philippine, 1976 First, 1976 Second, 1976 All-Philippine, 1977 All-Filipino, 1977 Open, 1979 All-Filipino, 1980 All-Filipino, 1981 Reinforced Filipino, 1983 All-Filipino, 1983 Reinforced Filipino, 1983 Open, 1984 First All-Filipino, 1987 Reinforced, 1988 Open, 1988 Reinforced)
- 2× PBA Most Valuable Player (1983, 1987)
- 5× PBA Mythical First Team (1983-1985, 1987-1988)
- 3× PBA All-Star (1992, 1993, 1994)
- 50 Greatest Players in PBA History (2000 selection)
- PBA Hall of Fame Class of 2007
- Gold medal – first place - 1973 Manila Team, FIBA Asia Championship
When the PBA launched in 1975, Guidaben was part of the storied Crispa Redmanizers, initially playing behind stars like Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, and Bogs Adornado. But over time, he emerged from the shadows — transforming from a reliable rebounder into one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.
Known for his smooth footwork, soft perimeter touch, and signature off-the-glass jumpers, Guidaben also brought an early form of athleticism to the PBA — even dunking during an era when it was rarely seen. He was a vital contributor to Crispa’s Grand Slam seasons in 1976 and 1983, with the latter also earning him his first MVP award.
As he matured into a franchise centerpiece, Guidaben’s rivalry with fellow big man Ramon Fernandez became one of the most iconic in league history. Their careers were so closely intertwined that they were traded for each other twice — first in 1985, between Tanduay and Manila Beer, and again in 1988, when Purefoods acquired Fernandez from San Miguel in exchange for Guidaben.
Over the course of his 20-year PBA career, Guidaben amassed accolades that include five Mythical Team selections, three All-Star appearances, recognition as one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 2000, and induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Perseverance beyond basketball
But even after basketball, Guidaben's story of perseverance continued off the court.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a serious neuromuscular illness that forced him into the ICU for eight days. Through steroid treatment, he survived the life-threatening condition. Just two years later, in 2012, he suffered two strokes within one week and was diagnosed with meningitis, once again requiring intensive care.
Despite these terrifying health scares, Guidaben fought his way back — showing the same quiet resilience that defined his playing days.
Alberto Guidaben didn’t just overcome opponents on the hardwood — he overcame life’s biggest challenges with the same calm strength and steady determination.
He didn’t need the spotlight to be great. He simply was.
