Rain or Shine's Gian Mamuyac in action against TNT in the semifinals of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, June 28, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. PBA Images/File
MANILA -- Gian Mamuyac is slowly embracing his role as the new team captain of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters for PBA's golden season.
In a team with veterans like Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga, the 26-year-old Mamuyac was chosen by the squad as their new leader in an election.
Mamuyac told reporters during the PBA's recent Media Day that he is thankful for the trust given to him by his teammates and the whole organization.
READ: Rain or Shine's Guiao bracing for tougher competition in Season 50
"Unang-una, really, really big shoes to fill. Especially coming off yung leaders na susundan ko. The two siguro best people or leaders this organization or even better the league has ever seen or had, si kuya Beau and si kuya Gabe," he said.
"I still consider myself very, very lucky. Yun nga sabi ko ang captaincy usually nag-iiba yan kapag nagre-retire ang player or nawawala. Pero ako ngayon in my case, andito pa rin sila sa team. Pwede ko pa rin sila takbuhan for help, sa mga tulong na kailangan ko. Alam ko naman always lagi sila andiyan para tulungan ako," Mamuyac added.
Despite his young age, Mamuyac is no stranger to taking on leadership roles.
He became team captain in high school and college while playing for the Ateneo de Manila University.
Now in his third PBA season, Mamuyac is hopeful he can help lead Rain or Shine past the semifinals and hopefully win a championship.
But for now, the young guard said he is still getting used to being a leader and hopes to match the standard set before him by his "kuyas" Norwood and Belga.
"[I'm] getting used to it. Medyo mahihirapan po [ako]. Siyempre ang gagaling mag-speech nila kuya Beau at kuya Gabe eh. Pag nagsalita talagang lahat makikinig. Hopefully mahigitan ko yun or hopefully ma-match ko yun," he said.
When asked about the team dynamics under his leadership, Mamuyac said nothing will change since they're already tight-knit after several seasons together.
"Siguro halos pareho lang po. Kasi close naman kaming lahat. Lahat naman pag may mali, we call out each other. Kapag may nagagawang tama, pinupuri namin siya. Technically wala namang magbabago. Pero siyempre pagdating sa kailangan ayusin, siguro ako na po aako nun kasi siyempre team captain [ako]," he shared.
TIME FOR YOUNG GUNS TO TAKE OVER
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said Mamuyac taking over the leadership role signifies the "passing of the torch" in the team. Caelan Tiongson has also been elected assistant team captain of the Elastopainters.
"It's the younger generation now that's taking over. Kasi si Beau and si Gabe nag-give way sa sinabi nila na kailangan ipasa na nila yung torch dun sa mga younger generation," he said.
"We trust in them just like their teammates trust in them. Si Mamu naman dati nang nag-team captain na yan ng Ateneo. Yun nga lang yung time na natalo sila sa championship. Pero hindi naman siguro ganun mangyayari sa amin," Guiao said in jest.
For the champion coach, Mamuyac and Tiongson leading the team shows that the younger generation is "ready to take the challenge head on."
Rain or Shine will be leaning on its young core composed of Mamuyac, Tiongson, Adrian Nocum, Andrei Caracut, Santi Santillan and Jhonard Clarito.
The team will also get a much-needed boost from veteran guard Stanley Pringle.
READ: Stanley Pringle aims to help Rain or Shine get past hump and win title
Guiao is confident in this youth-laden squad heading into the PBA 50 Philippine Cup.
"Walang problema. I think they're even better. Siyempre habang tumatagal na kaka-experience sila. Nahahasa pa sila. Naintindihan na nila yung competition. Yung gaano kagaling yung mga ibang teams na nakakalaban namin," he said.
"I think that experience gives them a better understanding of what it takes to be able to play at a higher level. So ito mga 'to lalong sumisipag sa practice. Lalo silang nagiging mas matalino. Yung IQ nila siguro nag-improve," Guiao added.
However, the Elastopainters will have to temporarily hold the fort without Santillan, who is recovering from an MCL injury.
"May kaunting setback lang kami kay Santi, Iyong last game namin against Meralco sa Isabela nagkaroon siya ng MCL tear," Guiao said.
"It is not serious but baka hindi siya umabot sa opening day. But I think after two or three games makakalaro na siya," he added.
RELATED VIDEO: