ALASKA Milk, a great PBA ballclub sharing second place with Magnolia in the league's roll of champs, begins a farewell tour starting Thursday versus Rain or Shine, ahead of the franchise fold-up at the end of PBA Season 46.
On the eve of the Alaska-Rain or Shine setto, the team management released an official statement announcing the sad news of ballclub leaving the league after more than three decades of PBA participation.
"We thought long and hard before making this final decision. However, we believe that this will allow us to focus our resources on providing affordable nutrition for Filipino families," said AMC chairman Fred Uytengsu.
The statement said the decision is aligned with the global directive of AMC's parent company, FrieslandCampina, to implement an organizational transformation that ensures long-term sustainability.
"The Aces franchise will always be very special to me. I had the good fortune of starting this franchise at the age of 24 and learning so much about the team dynamics and building championship teams from the players and coaching staff," Uytengsu said.
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Joining the league in 1986, Alaska broke into the league's roster of champs in 1991 and soon dominated with a great run highlighted by 10 championships in the 90s, including a grand slam in 1996.
With a team bannered by Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa and Bong Hawkins later joined by Jeffrey Cariaso and Kenneth Duremdes, the Alaska Aces carved a tradition of winning and a dynastic reign embellished with 14 championships in all - the last under coach Luigi Trillo in 2013.
The team under the triumvirate of team owner Uytengsu, coach Tim Cone and team manager Joaqui Trillo collected 13 crowns, sacrificing a shot at a second grand slam in 1998 to serve duty to the national team in the Bangkok Asian Games.
The Aces last made the PBA finals in the 2018 Governors' Cup, settling for runner-up honors behind eventual champs Magnolia Hotshots.
All these memories would be fondly remembered, cherished and saluted as the franchise makes its last hurrah in the league.
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The Aces share fifth place with the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 3-2 as they play the Elasto Painters (3-3) at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"As we bid farewell to our beloved Alaska Aces team, we thank all of you, loyal fans and supporters, for showing your love and support through all these years. May the memory of Alaska Aces live on forever," the team statement said. (SB)
