THE deep relationship between Calvin Abueva and Topex Robinson will still be there, even if they are now on different sides.
"Bilog ang mundo. I mean, we might be separated sa trabaho pero the personal relationship has always been there, it's not gonna fade," said Robinson of the player whom he has treated like a son since they first got together with San Sebastian in the NCAA.
"Kung may anak ka, you want... kung ano mas maganda para sa anak mo you will do it. Calvin knows this naman," Robinson also said, speaking hours after news came out Abueva has been traded to Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok.
The move came as a surprise since Abueva has just recently been re-signed to a new three-year contract, his reward for helping power Phoenix to the semifinals of the last Philippine Cup bubble.
The trade was one Robinson admittedly gave immediate blessing to since playing for the 14-time champion Hotshots puts Abueva in a better position to realize his goal of winning more championships and add to the one he won with Alaska in his rookie year of 2013.
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There is also the matter of Robinson living up the promise he made to Abueva while the latter was still serving out his suspension prior to the bubble in Clark.
"Prior to him entering the bubble I made a promise to him na if things will turn out well with him and if may opportunity na -- I'm talking about the future -- sabi ko, tutulungan ko siya. Mayroon kaming ganoong usapan," added Robinson.
"It happened now, I mean, magiging maganda ano n'ya sa Magnolia. That's why it happened. So, it was not really a surprise between us. And alam naman natin na (Magnolia) is a title contender ever since. I mean, him playing there for the next three years, hopefully, will give him a better chance."
During the Tiebreaker Times' 2OT podcast Wednesday evening, Abueva expressed gratitude to the Phoenix team that traded for him from Alaska in 2018 and stuck with him throughout his ordeal.
Abueva also now looks forward to helping his new team in whatever way he can, while waiting for the chance to continue his playful bantering with Robinson.
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"Mahilig kasi akong mang-asar. Siguro kapag naglaban kami di ko p'wedeng di asarin ito," said Abueva with a laugh. (NC)
