Converge FiberXers star forward Calvin Abueva had an eventful Wednesday. He was fined by the PBA Commissioner’s Office ₱24,000 earlier in the day for his actions during and after Converge’s historic victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 4 of their Governors’ Cup quarterfinal showcase.
Notably, Abueva was ejected in that game for two flopping violations—surprisingly called in succession on back-to-back plays. He was also caught trash-talking the Rain or Shine bench at the end of the game and was even seen flashing the middle finger toward the Elasto Painters’ side.
Abueva Makes Big Announcement
Later in the day, the artist known as The Beast dropped a bombshell announcement in a Facebook Live session: he plans to retire next year.
“Sa mga fans ko, next year, hindi na tayo magkikita,” Abueva said in the session, which he livestreamed while in his vehicle. “Kaya i-enjoy niyo na… Reretiro na po tayo next year.”
If that is, indeed, Abueva’s plan, it would mean he’ll be playing his last few games come December—making them even more meaningful than they already are. Converge is set to play the NLEX Road Warriors in a best-of-five semis, with a chance to extend what is already a franchise-best run all the way to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
It could also mean The Beast could go out on top should the FiberXers carry their momentum all the way to a championship.
Is It for Real?
So, is Abueva really retiring next year, like he announced? The Beast, after all, is already 38 and will be turning 39 in February 2027. He has also been playing in the PBA—full throttle and no holds barred, mind you—for 13 years. From that vantage point, Abueva planning to hang it up soon doesn’t look all that surprising anymore.
However, it is also fair to wonder if Abueva will, indeed, walk away given two important caveats. First, even at his advancing age, The Beast is still, well, a beast. This conference, he is averaging 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals while looking like the best and most impactful sixth man in all of the PBA. Second, Converge is doing so well, is a first-class franchise, and has the pieces to be championship-caliber in at least the next two seasons. It’s a situation players could only dream about.
Then again, Calvin Abueva did say he plans to retire next year. So, maybe it’s best to believe the man an just enjoy the show for now.
And if it somehow continues, then great. If not, then what a career it was.
