The event, attended by around 1,500 fans, commemorated the Gin Kings' triumph in the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup which saw them defeat budding rival Meralco in five games.
Members of the "One Ginebra Nation" waited for hours at Metrotent to celebrate with their idols, who repeatedly expressed their gratitude to the fans.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who has now steered the Gin Kings to four titles, remains amazed by the passion and love that the barangay shows to his team.
“We’re so proud that every once in a while, we can bring this kind of joy to the Ginebra nation.” -@manilacone pic.twitter.com/FafFj6aSJj
— Camille B. Naredo (@camillenaredo) January 20, 2020
"I understand some people have been here since 11 o'clock last night, some have been waiting since 4 in the morning, and that's incredible," Cone told reporters ahead of the program, which started shortly before 8:00 p.m.
"It just shows the passion that there is for the Ginebra nation," he added. "We're just so proud to be a part of it."
"We're so proud that every once in a while, we can bring this kind of joy to the Ginebra nation, and we can continue to fulfill the legacy of Sonny Jaworski and all that he's brought to this team."
The fans welcomed the Gin Kings with loud ovation, and were delighted when the players joined the "Tala" dance craze -- spurred by their team captain, Joe Devance. Mark Caguioa even took part, to the delight of the fans who chanted his name and requested him to show off his moves as well.
Of course Barangay Ginebra had to join the Tala dance craze pic.twitter.com/96z2Sw58TG
— Camille B. Naredo (@camillenaredo) January 20, 2020
There were more cheers when Caguioa confirmed that he will play for one more year with the Gin Kings, and when Cone announced that they have their sights set on claiming the All-Filipino crown next season.
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