What is ginebra vs meralco?

Here's some information about the rivalry between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA):

The Ginebra vs. Meralco matchup has become one of the most heated and followed rivalries in the PBA in recent years. It's characterized by intense games and passionate fan bases. A key element of this rivalry stems from several championship series encounters, specifically in the PBA Governors' Cup. Ginebra has often emerged victorious in these finals matchups, contributing significantly to the rivalry's intensity. The rivalry has even been dubbed as "Manila Clasico 2.0"

  • Historical Context: The rivalry gained prominence particularly during the 2016-2017 PBA Governors' Cup, where Ginebra defeated Meralco in a thrilling seven-game series. This win marked the beginning of Ginebra's dominance in the matchup for some time. This made the rivalry even more important in the Philippine Basketball Association.
  • Key Players and Coaches: Over the years, many notable players and coaches have been part of this rivalry, adding to the drama and storylines. Players such as LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, and Justin Brownlee for Ginebra, and Chris Newsome and Allen Durham for Meralco, have had pivotal roles in the games.
  • Fanbase: Ginebra is known for having one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in the PBA ("Never Say Die" spirit), which significantly contributes to the atmosphere of their games against Meralco.
  • Rivalry Nicknames: The rivalry has been dubbed as "Manila Clasico 2.0," referencing the past intense rivalry between Ginebra and Purefoods.