MANILA, Philippines – For the first time since his retirement, Jayjay Helterbrand watched a Barangay Ginebra game.

The Ginebra great watched on Sunday as the Gin Kings took on San Miguel Beer in Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series, with his old team trying to tie up the best-of-seven series with the defending All-Filipino champions.

"I miss it a lot," said Helterbrand in a TV interview during a break between quarters. "This is the first game I watched since I retired, and honestly, I miss the environment."

"I miss the intensity, I miss hearing the fans chanting 'Ginebra.' I'm enjoying it," he added.

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It was also the first time that Helterbrand saw his former running mate, Mark Caguioa, wearing his No. 13 jersey in person. Caguioa made the switch from 47 to 13 ahead of the season to pay tribute to his longtime teammate.

"That's my partner right there," said Helterbrand, who spent his entire career with the Gin Kings. "I appreciate it. It's really touching, and I'm honored that he did that for me."

Helterbrand was surely enjoying the game at the Araneta Coliseum, as the Gin Kings were in control against the Beermen. Ginebra had a 55-42 lead at the half.

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