San Miguel retires Arwind Santos' No. 29 jersey during the halftime of the SMB-Blackwater encounter at the PhilSports Arena on May 1, 2024. PBA Images 

MANILA – "It's Showtime" host Jhong Hilario was one proud friend when Arwind Santos saw his No. 29 jersey officially retired by San Miguel Beer on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Hilario accompanied Santos in the meaningful event held at the halftime of San Miguel-Blackwater bout in the preliminaries of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.

"Bilang isang kaibigan, kumpare, sobrang proud ako sa buhay [ng] players, kahit anong larangan 'yan, talagang darating at darating 'yung retirement. And nakakatuwa at nakaka-proud na magre-retire man ['yung jersey niya], maganda 'yung naipakita niya," Hilario told ABS-CBN News.

"Tumatak siya sa tao, sa mga Pilipino, and maganda 'yung iniwan niya na legacy sa PBA," Hilario went on.

Santos was also joined by his family and San Miguel sports executives, coaches, and former teammates including former "Death Five" members Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and June Mar Fajardo.

READ: PBA: San Miguel officially retires Arwind Santos’ jersey

Santos clarified later on with reporters that he still wants to return to professional basketball. He last suited up for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, which he helped win an MPBL championship in 2023.

Meanwhile, Hilario didn't forget to congratulate his "kumpare" after the event.

"Congratulations at mami-miss ko si Spiderman," the "Sample King" concluded.

"The Spiderman" helped the Beermen capture nine PBA championships and also received the league's top plum in 2013. Santos also has two finals MVP awards under his belt.

READ: PBA: San Miguel sends Arwind Santos to NorthPort, acquires Vic Manuel