Terrence Romeo talks with Guiao to explain, settle the issue

TERRENCE Romeo made it clear he holds no grudges against veteran coach Yeng Guiao in the aftermath of their heated exchange at the end of Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series between Rain or Shine and San Miguel.

The San Miguel star said he approached the Rain or Shine coach just before Game 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night to say his piece, apologize, and eventually, smoke the peace pipe.

"Lumapit ako kay coach Yeng and sabi ko, 'Pasensiya na, hindi ko naman intention na huwag mag-respeto at mambastos.' Hindi na namin kailangan palakihin yun.

READ Guiao says beef with Terrence all about 'basic respect'

"Sabi ko nga kung naka-offend ako, nag-sorry naman ako."

The 32-year-old Romeo incurred the ire of Guiao when he attempted and made a three-pointer with four seconds left and the outcome of Game 3 already in the bag for the Beermen Wednesday night at the Dasmarinas City Arena.

The Rain or Shine coach was fuming mad and shouted words in the direction of Romeo shortly after the game as he felt the shooting guard disrespected him, the players, and the entire Rain or Shine organization.

Guiao later labelled Romeo as disrespectful and arrogant, something which Romeo obviously didn’t like.

"Yung opinion ni coach Yeng dun sa sinabi niya na mayabang and nag-dispect ako, hindi ako agree doon, hindi agree yung family ko, yung mga kaibigan ko, at yung ibang fans ko na nag-message sa akin," he said after San Miguel earned a return trip to the all-Filipino finals with a huge 107-100 win over Rain or Shina Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

But despite what had been said about him, Romeo said his high regard for the 65-year-old champion coach haven't changed.

PHOTO: PBA Images

"Wala akong any bad na sasabihin kay coach Yeng kasi mataas ang respeto ko sa kanya as a coach, kasi he’s really a good coach," said Romeo.

Guiao accepted the peace offering with an open heart.

"Sabi niya, 'Ok lang 'yun. Walang problema,'" said Romeo of his small with Guiao prior to the game.

He also understood that insensitive words are often said during the heat of the moment.

"Ganun naman, siyempre heat of the game. Minsan pag nagalit tayo or may naka-offend sa atin, siyempre at that moment may possible kang masabi," said Romeo.

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"But good thing kay coach Yeng, hindi naman siya yung paglapit ko, ‘Alis ka diyan or what’ na parang galit siya sa akin. Hindi naman ganun," the San Miguel gunner added. "Basketball lang talaga, part of the game. Meron talagang ganun na moment. Hindi kailangan na magtanim or maging personal ka."

Romeo is back in the finals after San Miguel’s four-game sweep of Rain or Shine in the best-of-seven semis in which he finished with 10 points.

Meanwhile, the season is over for Guiao and the Elasto Painters, but their first semis stint in five years will go a long way in boosting the confidence of the youth-laden team going to the league’s Season 49.