page_title: Manila Clasico
section_title: Teams’ popularity
hierarchical_section_title: Manila Clasico / Teams’ popularity
caption_attribution_description: PBA - Manila Clasico (Star vs Ginebra) - 001 - 2015-1225
context_page_description: Manila Clasico refers to the rivalry between the two most popular professional basketball teams in the Philippines today, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Magnolia Hotshots, both owned by San Miguel Corporation. The former represents the Ginebra San Miguel franchise while the latter carries the San Miguel Pure Foods franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association.
context_section_description: For many years, Ginebra has owned the distinction of being the most popular team in the league. Its popularity can be traced to the recruitment of the backcourt tandem of Robert Jaworski and Francis Arnaiz, both former Toyota players. Fans of Toyota followed the two stalwarts to Ginebra after the Toyota team disbanded in 1983. The team also became a crowd favorite because of its “Never Say Die” attitude, which has allowed it to snatch come-from-behind wins many times. Even after Jaworski's departure as coach at the end of the 1998 season, somehow, Jaworski's legacy lingered and the fans remained loyal to the team. Ginebra's games remained the highest raters on television, regardless of the team's performance.
  In 2008, however, a survey showed that Purefoods shares the honor of league's most popular ballclub with Ginebra.  It appeared that Ginebra was the most popular team among men, while Purefoods was the most popular among women.  Also, Ginebra was more popular in Metro Manila and Luzon and in classes ABC, while Purefoods was more popular in Visayas and Mindanao and in class D. The two teams were tied for most supporters in class E.
  Ginebra fans were furious at the results of the survey, arguing that their team is still unrivaled in terms of popularity and crowd support. But the arguments only served to fan the heated rivalry between the two teams with the largest fanbases in Philippine professional basketball.
  Results of a more recent survey showed that Ginebra is still the league's most popular team and draws the highest television ratings, followed closely by the Purefoods/B-Meg Llamados. Officials of the two teams agree. Barangay Ginebra Team Governor Alfrancis Chua commented that during Manila Clasico games, the number of fans cheering for both teams are almost equal, with Ginebra getting a slight edge. San Mig Coffee Team Governor Rene Pardo agreed that his team was still second to Ginebra in terms of popularity and following. “...[W]e have strengthened our hold on very strong number two and we’re biting at the back of Ginebra, which is still hands down the most popular [team] in the country,” he said. “Purefoods is really closing in on Ginebra in terms of fanbase,” PBA Commissioner Chito Salud also confirmed.
caption: Panorama view of the Mall of Asia Arena during the Manila Clasico quarterfinal game between Star and Ginebra on December 25, 2015.
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