Alvin Patrimonio
PBA 50 Greatest Players
Player Profile Series: “The Captain” Alvin Patrimonio’s lion heart
Another four-time PBA Most Valuable Player takes the spotlight in our series.
Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio captured the league’s highest individual honor in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997—becoming only the second player to achieve the feat after “El Presidente” Ramon Fernandez, who won it in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988.
Patrimonio played his entire 17-year career with just one franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), staying loyal from 1988 to 2004. He became the face of the Purefoods/Magnolia franchise throughout those years, eventually passing the torch to his successors upon retirement.
Name: Alvin Patrimonio
Moniker: The Captain
Birthdate: November 17, 1966
Height: 6’3”
Position: Power Forward
Jersey Number: 16
Career Information:
College: Mapúa
PBA draft: 1988 (direct hire), Selected by the Purefoods Hotdogs
Career history
As a player:
1988–2004 - Purefoods
As a coach:
2015 - UST (assistant)
2016–2017 NU (assistant)
Career highlights
As player:
6x PBA champion (1990 Third, 1991 All-Filipino, 1993 All-Filipino, 1994 Commissioner's, 1997 All-Filipino, 2002 Governors')
4x PBA Most Valuable Player (1991, 1993, 1994, 1997)
10x PBA Mythical First Team (1989–1994, 1996–1998, 2000)
PBA Mythical Second Team (1995)
3x PBA Best Player of the Conference (1994 Commissioner's Cup, 1996 All-Filipino Cup, 1997 Governors' Cup)
PBA Press Corps Newsmaker of the Year (1993)
PBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (1991)
12× PBA All-Star (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
50 Greatest Players in PBA History (2000 selection)
3× PBA Scoring Champion (1992–1993, 1998)
No. 16 retired by Magnolia Hotshots
2x NCAA Philippines Most Valuable Player (1985, 1986)
3x PABL champion (1986 Filipino, 1987 Freedom, 1988 International Invitational)
As executive:
8x PBA champion (2006 Philippine, 2009–10 Philippine, 2012 Commissioner's, 2013 Governors', 2013–14 Philippine, 2014 Commissioner's, 2014 Governors', 2018 Governors')
Grand Slam champion (2013–14)
Medals (Men's basketball Representing Philippines)
Asian Games:
Bronze medal – third place 1986 Seoul Team competition
Silver medal – second place 1990 Beijing Team competition
Bronze medal – third place 1998 Bangkok Team competition
Beyond the MVP accolades, "The Captain" amassed an impressive collection of achievements: six PBA championships, 10 Mythical First Team selections, one Mythical Second Team nod, and three Best Player of the Conference awards.
Known for his lion heart every time he stepped on the hardwood, Patrimonio was also a 12-time PBA All-Star, winning MVP honors in the 1995 All-Star Game. He was a three-time scoring champion and was named the PBA Press Corps’ Newsmaker of the Year. In honor of his contributions, the franchise retired his jersey number 16.
His final season was filled with emotional farewell tributes, not only from his team but from opposing squads as well—gestures that deeply moved the humble and grateful athlete.
Post-retirement, Patrimonio continued to serve the game as the team manager of the Hotshots, adding eight more PBA titles to his name. This includes a rare four-peat and a Grand Slam during the San Mig Coffee Mixers era.
All in all, he boasts 14 PBA championships—as a player and executive combined—and was part of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players list in 2000.
Patrimonio held several long-standing records, including most consecutive games played at 596—an ironman feat later surpassed by LA Tenorio, whom Alvin warmly congratulated. He ranks third all-time in scoring with 15,091 points and fourth in total rebounds, collecting over 6,000 boards. He is also the second player, after Bogs Adornado, to win back-to-back MVPs (1993–1994), and only the second to claim three Best Player of the Conference awards, following Vergel Meneses.
Internationally, Patrimonio represented the country in several Asian Games alongside fellow legend Allan Caidic. He was part of the bronze medal-winning 1986 team in Seoul and the silver medal-winning 1990 team in Beijing. He also contributed to the 1998 Centennial Team that bagged a bronze medal in Bangkok.
Despite standing just 6’3”, Patrimonio played much bigger than his height—anchored by grit, heart, and discipline. But beyond the numbers, what truly endeared him to fans was his humility and approachability. During his prime, he was known to stay until the last autograph was signed.
Patrimonio is one of the most respected figures in Philippine basketball, loved by fans, admired by teammates, and respected by rivals. Often regarded as the second most popular player in PBA history—next only to "The Living Legend" Robert Jaworski—he also had brief stints in acting during the earlier part of his career.
Off the court, Alvin is a devoted family man. Residing in Cainta, Rizal, he is married to Cindy and together they have four children: Angelo, Christine, Clarice, and Asher. A man of strong faith, he is known to have led his family closer to God and encouraged a life grounded in spiritual values.
The man with a lion’s heart on the court also has a soft, humble heart beyond it. And that’s what makes Alvin Patrimonio a true icon—then and now.
There are countless stories and achievements tied to his name—milestones that shaped not only his legacy but also Philippine basketball as a whole. And truth be told, they can’t all be told in just one sitting.
Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio is more than just a PBA great—he’s a symbol of loyalty, passion, and excellence whose impact will be remembered for generations.
News
Harold Alarcon came alive when it mattered most, leading the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to a heart-stopping 89-88 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena!
The veteran guard rose to the occasion, scoring 10 of his 22 points in the crucial fourth quarter to lift UP to its 7th win in 10 games, securing solo second place in the standings as the race to the Final Four intensifies.
“Marami kaming struggling nung first half, so nung fourth, whatever na hinarap sa akin ng defense, talagang kinuha ko lang,” said Alarcon, who provided the spark just when the Fighting Maroons needed it most.
With Alarcon’s late-game heroics, UP continues to strengthen its Final Four push — showing the poise, depth, and championship mentality that have defined the team all season long.
Also starring for State U was Noy Remogat, who chipped in 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Migs Yniguez provided instant offense with 11 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from deep.
Down 87-88 with under 30 seconds left, Alarcon coolly sank one of his signature mid-range jumpers to put UP ahead. UST had multiple chances to steal the game, but Amiel Acido missed two potential go-ahead baskets, and despite Collins Akowe grabbing another offensive rebound, he turned the ball over at the buzzer.
Akowe finished with a monstrous 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Nic Cabañero added 18 points for UST, which suffered its fourth straight loss and dropped to 5-10 overall. Forth Padrigao was limited to just two points and six assists before exiting early due to an ankle injury.
UP continues to surge at the right time — showing grit, composure, and championship poise as the postseason draws near.
Meralco’s bid to make the East Asia Super League (EASL) playoffs is hanging in the balance after two consecutive road losses — but there’s renewed hope as the Bolts return home for their final four elimination games, starting with Saturday’s rematch against Chinese-Taipei’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.
Head coach Luigi Trillo admitted it’s been a challenging stretch for Meralco, which is also juggling its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup. Since bowing to Ryukyu on Oct. 22, the Bolts have dropped back-to-back PBA games to NLEX and TNT, followed by a setback against Taoyuan last Sunday, where active coaching consultant Nenad Vucinic was ejected after two technical fouls.
“We’re representing not just Meralco but also the PBA and our country, and we’re doing our best under the circumstances,” said Trillo. “CJ (Cansino) couldn’t play in our second EASL game because of a bad sprain and we’re still waiting for JB (Justin Brownlee).”
Under EASL rules, teams may enlist two world imports, a naturalized player, and an Asian heritage import. If Brownlee remains unavailable, Ange Kouame will take his place on Saturday.
Kouame, however, is coming off a six-week layoff and only returned to practice this week. The good news: Asian heritage import Sina Vahedi is now in town and set to play in the Bolts’ next four EASL outings.
Trillo confirmed that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero will continue to anchor Meralco’s import lineup. For the Taoyuan Pilots, key players to watch include 7’1” former Phoenix Suns draftee Alec Brown, 6’11” naturalized player Will Artino, 6’7” forward Setric Millner, and national standout Lu Chun Hsiang, who’s averaging 19 points per game.
Following Saturday’s clash, Meralco will host Macau on Nov. 15, the Black Bears rematch on Dec. 6, and Ryukyu on Feb. 11—all at the Capital Arena.
The top two teams in Meralco’s group of four will advance to the Round of Six playoffs in March.
The Bolts will return to PBA action against Terrafirma on Dec. 10.
The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses remained unstoppable in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament after a resounding 104–54 victory over the University of the Philippines on Wednesday, November 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, UST improved to 10-0, solidifying its hold atop the eight-team standings while maintaining a remarkable 32.8-point average winning margin.
“Our mentality remains the same — take it one game at a time, stay consistent, and improve every game,” said head coach Haydee Ong. “Of course, our last two games are tough ones against Ateneo and NU, but on Sunday we’ll prepare for FEU.”
The Tigresses dominated from start to finish, opening with a 31-9 first quarter before taking a 55-27 halftime lead. Their advantage ballooned to as much as 53 points, 98-45, midway through the fourth quarter after a Breanna Pineda basket.
Kent Pastrana led the charge with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block, finishing with a game-high plus-48 efficiency rating in just 20 minutes and 19 seconds on the court.
“I think this is Kent’s best game. A 48 efficiency rating in 20 minutes with 25 points — I hope she can keep up those magical numbers,” Ong added.
Rachelle Ambos chipped in 19 markers and nine boards, while Oma Onianwa tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds, recording a team-best plus-51 in just over 20 minutes of play.
The loss was UP’s eighth straight, dropping them to 2-8 after a 2-0 start. Despite their slump, the Fighting Maroons still have a slim shot at the Final Four with Adamson, De La Salle, and FEU all tied at 4-6.
Camille Nolasco paced UP with 17 markers and four boards, while Achrissa Maw added 10 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Last season’s Mythical Team member Louna Ozar struggled once again, shooting 2-of-13 for six points, alongside five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, but also committing five turnovers.
UST will look to extend its perfect run when it faces Far Eastern University on Sunday, November 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UP aims to snap its skid against University of the East on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Even as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continue to pile up victories in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, injuries remain an unwelcome part of their journey.
Already missing key players Caelan Tiongson and Stanley Pringle, the Elasto Painters suffered another setback after big man Keith Datu went down with an apparent knee injury during their 91-80 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Datu, who had been dealing with knee issues prior to the game, slipped and fell hard midway through the third quarter. He was helped to the bench and did not return, finishing with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists in what was his most active showing of the conference so far.
Coach Yeng Guiao expressed concern over Datu’s condition, saying that the team will still wait for results from medical tests to determine the severity of the injury.
“I don’t know exactly what his status is or how serious the injury might be,” Guiao said. “He’s already been having issues with his knees before, which is why we’ve been focusing on strengthening his lower body. And now this happened.”
The absence of Datu leaves Rain or Shine thin in the middle, with Caelan Tiongson still nursing an injury and veteran Beau Belga playing limited minutes as he recovers from vertigo earlier this year.
Despite the setbacks, the Elasto Painters extended their winning run to four games, improving to a 5-1 record to seize solo first place in the standings. Guiao acknowledged that managing player health while maintaining competitiveness will be a tough balancing act heading into the next stretch of the eliminations.
“It’s tough because we’re managing Beau’s minutes, and now Keith’s dealing with an injury. Then there’s Caelan who’s also hurt. We might end up playing all guards at this rate,” Guiao joked, though his concern was evident.
Rain or Shine now shifts focus to its next assignment against the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday, hoping for a positive update on Datu’s condition before they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.
Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.
Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”
The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.
“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.
