MANILA, Philippines—Jericho Cruz described being named PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player for his massive role in San Miguel Beer’s Philippine Cup triumph as a “bonus.”

But Cruz is also glad that his decision to sign with the Beermen three years ago resulted in three championships, and a lot more.

READ: PBA Finals: Jericho Cruz embraces ‘angas’ as fuel for Beermen

“When they took me from NLEX, my life became so much better,” Cruz said in Filipino following a championship series which saw him average 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

The 34-year-old Adamson product was referring to his move to San Miguel as an unrestricted free agent during the middle of the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup. Cruz had been playing three seasons with NLEX when his contract expired.

That move paved the way for a reunion with San Miguel coach Leo Austria, who during his time handling the Adamson basketball program recruited Cruz from Rizal Technological University.

Austria’s return to the sidelines during the Beermen’s unusual woes in the Commissioner’s Cup also made the all-Filipino doubly sweeter for Cruz, who was among the catalysts in the Beermen mastery of the TNT Tropang 5G.

 READ: PBA: San Miguel’s latest title brings Adamson reunion full circle

Cruz figured prominently in the series as Austria opted to go with those who were consistent for the Beermen, namely Don Trollano, Mo Tautuaa and even Chris Ross.

“I told Coach Leo before Game 6 that ‘I’m always ready if you need me,’” he said. “I really made it a point to tell him that and thankfully, it paid off.”

The Finals also put Cruz on a spotlight, not only for his consistency but for his swagger that eventually got into the skin of TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa and TNT fans after Game 4, but was adored by the San Miguel faithful.

“[San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua] motivated me to just play my game and let the haters say what they want,” Cruz said. “It’s just basketball and I’m an emotional person and that’s where I get my confidence. I’m just very happy that we won the championship.”