Gilbey's Gin: The PBA's first expansion team in 1979

The newest PBA ballclub Gilbey's Gin in 1979, with guest NBA player Bill Walton, presented to the press, the humble beginnings of the La Tondena franchise has come a long way as this team is now known as the most popular basketball team in the PBA, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The original rosters and founding members of the Gilbey's squad, among them are Lucrecio Dacula, Ricafort Mallari, Norberto Rivera, Ulysses Rodriguez, Ernesto De Leon, Jesusito Martin, Porfirio Rodriguez, Bienvenido Dela Cruz and Roehl Deles.

This article was in the following season in the 1980 All-Filipino Conference when the La Tondena ballclub makes it to the semifinal round for the first time in four conferences, excluding the 1979 Invitational championship.

1995-96 PBL 1st Danny Floro Cup

Preview and Team Rosters.

1979: Yco is MICAA champion again

Under coach Freddie Webb, the Painters defeated Frigidaire in the best-of-three title series to win back the crown they last won in 1975.

Yco had also won the National Seniors crown in May of that year, and the Phey Yew Kok Invitational championship in Singapore on June 24, 1979.

1977 UAAP Opening in Photos

To the left: Jose Ramon Bernabe with muse Nadine Guytingco. Flag bearer is Carlos Garcia. At Right, Jose Arguelles and Gloria Diaz of UE.

At left, Luis Argana and Alice Azeneta of Adamson. To the Right, Benedict Lao and Gaye Pascual of FEU.

Great Taste' four straight championships from 1984-1985

Great Taste wins their first-ever PBA crown in the 1984 second all-filipino conference, scoring a 3-0 sweep over Beer Hausen.

Great Taste wins the Invitational Championship, routing Crispa in the deciding fifth game on December 18, 1984.

The following year in the 1985 PBA Open Conference, Great Taste beat Magnolia in six games to win their 3rd PBA crown.

Great Taste wins its fourth straight PBA championship, winning their series against newcomer Shell Azodrin, 3 games to 1.

*Newspaper clippings courtesy of former GT player Ricardo Brown in his facebook album.