By Kim Gealogo
Following a “Cinderella run” in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), Pangasinan has opted to take a leave of absence for the 2026 season.
Head coach Jerson Cabiltes conveyed his pride in the achievements of the Heatwaves despite its sudden halt in franchise’s MPBL journey. This choice comes after Pangasinan orchestrated one of the league’s most unexpected comebacks. After a dismal 12-16 finish in their first MPBL campaign, the Heatwaves found their momentum late in 2025, establishing themselves as a formidable title contender. Pangasinan ranked seventh in Northern Division before trouncing Ilagan Isabela in the play-in tournament to earn a play-off a spot.
The Heatwaves then shocked the third-seeded Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguard in a best-of-three quarterfinals, followed up with another thrilling series victory against the second-seeded San Juan Knights in the division semifinals. Their impressive run concluded in the North Division Finals, where Pangasinan was swept by the eventual champion Abra Solid North.