Player Profile Series: Philip Cezar – The PBA's Tapal King
As we continue our Player Profile Series featuring former PBA Most Valuable Players, let’s take a closer look at the storied career of Philip Cezar—widely regarded as the league’s “Tapal King.”
Cezar began his PBA journey in the league’s inaugural season in 1975, suiting up for the iconic Crispa Redmanizers. He stayed with the team until it disbanded in 1984. After his Crispa years, he went on to play for Shell (1985–1986), Great Taste/Presto (1987–1988), and eventually wrapped up his 17-season career with Añejo/Ginebra (1989–1991).
Over nearly two decades in Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, Cezar compiled career averages of 13.16 points, 6.36 rebounds, 3.41 assists, 0.65 steals, and 1.49 blocks per game. Along with those solid numbers came 15 PBA championships, highlighted by two Grand Slams in 1976 and 1983.
Standing at 6’3”, Cezar wasn’t the tallest big man on the floor—but he more than made up for it with his elite shot-blocking instincts, high basketball IQ, and natural leadership. His trademark “umbrella defense,” where he used both arms to disrupt and alter shots, became one of the most iconic defensive moves in league history.
Cezar’s individual accolades include seven Mythical First Team selections, two Mythical Second Team nods, and four All-Defensive Team honors. In 2000, he was named one of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players—a list later expanded into the PBA’s 50 Greatest. He was also inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
After hanging up his sneakers, Cezar transitioned to coaching, winning a championship in 1997 as an assistant coach with Ginebra. He later added two more titles as head coach in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 2000 and 2001.
Cezar also represented the country internationally, playing for the RP Youth Team in 1972 and competing in the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran.
Outside of basketball, the “Tapal King” also served in public office, holding the position of vice mayor of San Juan from 1992 to 2001.
Name: Philip Cezar
Birthdate: December 1, 1952
Hometown: Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
Moniker: The Tapal King
Jersey number: 18
PBA championships: 15
Amateur Career:
- College: Jose Rizal College (now Jose Rizal University)
Notable Achievements:
- NCAA Champion (1972)
- NCAA Most Valuable Player (1972)
- MICAA Champion with Crispa Floro Redmanizers (1974)
Professional Career
- PBA Debut: 1975 (Crispa Redmanizers)
- Retired: 1991 (Ginebra San Miguel)
Teams:
- 1974–75: Crispa Floro Redmanizers (MICAA)
- 1975–1984: Crispa Redmanizers (PBA)
- 1985–1986: Shell Helix Oilers
- 1987–1988: Great Taste/Presto
- 1989–1991: Añejo Rhum/Ginebra San Miguel
PBA Career Stats:
- 13.16 PPG • 6.36 RPG • 3.41 APG • 0.65 SPG • 1.49 BPG
Championships:
- 15x PBA Champion
- Including two Grand Slams (1976, 1983)
Individual Awards & Milestones:
1980 PBA Most Valuable Player
7× PBA Mythical First Team (1976, 1978–1981, 1983, 1987)
2× PBA Mythical Second Team (1984, 1985)
4× PBA All-Defensive Team (1985–1988)
Member: 5,000 & 10,000 points clubs
Member: 1,000 offensive rebounds club
Member: 2,000 defensive rebounds club
Member: 2,000 assists club
Member: 900 & 1,000 shot blocks clubs
Member: 500 steals club
PBA All-Star
PBA Hall of Fame Inductee
Named to the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players list (2000)
National Team:
- 1972 RP Youth Team
- 1974 Asian Games in Tehran
Coaching Career:
- 1992–1998: Assistant Coach, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
- 1999–2001: Head Coach, San Juan Knights (MBA) — 2× MBA Champion
- 2018–2019: Head Coach, Manila Stars (MPBL)
Beyond the Hardwood
- After his basketball career, Cezar also served in public office as Vice Mayor of San Juan from 1992 to 2001—proving that his leadership extended far beyond the basketball court.
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Minnesota’s victory wasn’t just about their stars. Jaden McDaniels made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, posting a solid double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. He also added two assists, a steal, and a block in a well-rounded performance that provided crucial support for the Wolves’ playoff push.
The Warriors, still without their franchise centerpiece Stephen Curry due to injury, leaned on their young core to carry the load. Jonathan Kuminga led the charge with 23 markers, showcasing his athleticism and aggressiveness on offense. Veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green chipped in 14 points each, but the absence of Curry’s leadership and shooting was clearly felt.
As we continue our Player Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on one of the most quietly dominant figures in Philippine basketball history — Alberto “Abet” Guidaben.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and hailing from Mambajao, Camiguin, Guidaben carved out a legendary career that spanned two decades. Born on September 14, 1952, he would go on to become a 16-time PBA champion, two-time MVP (1983 and 1987), and one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt forces during its golden era.
A product of the Agoho Pirates and the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Guidaben’s rise began with the Crispa squad in the MICAA in 1973. A year later, he represented the Philippines at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, playing alongside legends like Robert Jaworski.
When the PBA launched in 1975, Guidaben was part of the storied Crispa Redmanizers, initially playing behind stars like Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, and Bogs Adornado. But over time, he emerged from the shadows — transforming from a reliable rebounder into one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.
Known for his smooth footwork, soft perimeter touch, and signature off-the-glass jumpers, Guidaben also brought an early form of athleticism to the PBA — even dunking during an era when it was rarely seen. He was a vital contributor to Crispa’s Grand Slam seasons in 1976 and 1983, with the latter also earning him his first MVP award.
As he matured into a franchise centerpiece, Guidaben’s rivalry with fellow big man Ramon Fernandez became one of the most iconic in league history. Their careers were so closely intertwined that they were traded for each other twice — first in 1985, between Tanduay and Manila Beer, and again in 1988, when Purefoods acquired Fernandez from San Miguel in exchange for Guidaben.
Over the course of his 20-year PBA career, Guidaben amassed accolades that include five Mythical Team selections, three All-Star appearances, recognition as one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 2000, and induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
But even after basketball, Guidaben's story of perseverance continued off the court.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a serious neuromuscular illness that forced him into the ICU for eight days. Through steroid treatment, he survived the life-threatening condition. Just two years later, in 2012, he suffered two strokes within one week and was diagnosed with meningitis, once again requiring intensive care.
Despite these terrifying health scares, Guidaben fought his way back — showing the same quiet resilience that defined his playing days.
Alberto Guidaben didn’t just overcome opponents on the hardwood — he overcame life’s biggest challenges with the same calm strength and steady determination.
He didn’t need the spotlight to be great. He simply was.
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Jalen Brunson once again played the role of floor general and go-to scorer, putting up an all-around masterclass with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. The Knicks star also knocked down four of his eight attempts from three-point range, fueling the team’s comeback effort after an early deficit.
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