Two members of the renowned “Pinatubo Trio” reunite as Calvin Abueva joins Ian Sangalang at Magnolia.

Sangalang welcomed the news of teaming up with Abueva again after Phoenix traded the explosive forward and a draft pick to Magnolia in exchange for Chris Banchero and two draft picks.

“I’m really happy not just because I will play with Calvin again but because I know he will be a big help to us,” Sangalang told Rappler in Filipino.

“He is the type of player that we need right now.”

Sangalang and Abueva go a long way back as they starred for San Sebastian in the NCAA together with fellow Kapampangan Ronald Pascual.

Known as the “Pinatubo Trio,” the triumvirate led the Stags to 3 consecutive NCAA finals appearances and a championship in 2009.

They all got drafted in the first round in the PBA, with Abueva going No. 2 in 2012, Sangalang also going No. 2 in 2013, and Pascual going No. 3 in 2014.

“I’m really excited to play with Calvin again. When we went up against each other, we used to always tease each other and laugh about it. Now, we’re going to laugh together as teammates,” Sangalang said.

Having known Abueva for years, Sangalang noticed how his friend changed his ways after enduring a suspension that lasted for 16 months.

In his first conference since his PBA ban, Abueva emerged as a candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award in the previous Philippine Cup as Phoenix almost made the finals for the first time in franchise history.

“[Calvin] showed everybody that he has changed. If he stays that way, Calvin is hard to beat. Individually, he is hard to beat,” Sangalang said.

“He is not the Calvin that when you do something to him, he will retaliate. Now, he just smiles at everything that happens on the court.”

Along with the coaching staff, Sangalang said he will help ease the transition from Phoenix to Magnolia for Abueva.

“I know I can help him whenever he needs me and I know he can help me whenever I need him.” – Rappler.com