Rain or Shine Wins First-Ever PBA Championship: A Historic Milestone 6 Years in the Making

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters clinch their first PBA championship in franchise history at the 2012 Governors’ Cup, completing a dramatic rise from playoff heartbreaks to title glory.

From Underdogs to Champions


After six years of perseverance, heartbreaks, and steady rebuilding, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally reached the pinnacle of Philippine basketball by capturing their first-ever PBA championship during the 2012 Governors’ Cup. The historic moment wasn’t just about a trophy—it was the ultimate reward for years of hard work, smart management, and the fiery leadership of head coach Yeng Guiao.

Humble Beginnings: The Early Years of Rain or Shine


Rain or Shine’s journey began in 2006 when the franchise entered the PBA by acquiring the Shell team. Originally branded as the Welcoat Dragons, the team struggled to find its footing in the competitive league. It wasn’t until the 2008-2009 season that they rebranded as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters—a move that signaled a fresh start.

Playoff appearances would come, but success remained elusive. The team often fell short in the Quarterfinals, unable to break into the upper echelon of the league.

The Turning Point: Coach Yeng Guiao Takes Over


A new chapter began in the 2010-2011 Commissioner’s Cup when Rain or Shine hired Yeng Guiao as head coach. Known for his gritty, no-nonsense style and tactical brilliance, Guiao injected confidence and discipline into the team.

Under his watch, Rain or Shine began building a solid core. They brought in future stars and gritty veterans such as:

  • Paul Lee – the explosive rookie guard and future franchise cornerstone

  • Beau Belga and JR Quiñahan – the tough-as-nails "Extra Rice" frontline duo

  • Ronnie Matias and Ronjay Buenafe – key contributors who added depth and scoring punch


With a tough defensive identity and a balanced offensive attack, Rain or Shine was quietly becoming a dangerous team.

2012 Governors’ Cup: A Cinderella Run with a Golden Ending


Heading into the 2012 PBA Governors’ Cup, expectations were modest. The team was coming off a poor showing in the Commissioner’s Cup, and few predicted a championship run.

But Rain or Shine defied the odds from Day 1.

  • Eliminations Dominance: The Elasto Painters finished the eliminations as the #1 seed with an impressive 8-1 record, showcasing their improved chemistry and resilience.

  • Semifinals Setback: In the single round-robin semifinals, they stumbled with a 2-3 record, but their overall performance still secured them a finals berth thanks to their top ranking (10-4 overall).

  • The Finals vs. B-Meg: Rain or Shine faced off against a surging B-Meg Llamados squad that had just defeated Barangay Ginebra for the last finals slot.

Paul Lee's Injury and the Series Rollercoaster


Despite a commanding 3-1 series lead, disaster struck when Paul Lee suffered a shoulder injury in Game 2, ruling him out for the rest of the series. B-Meg took full advantage, roaring back to win Games 5 and 6, tying the series 3-3 and forcing a winner-take-all Game 7.

Game 7: Sealing the Legacy


In front of a packed crowd, Rain or Shine started Game 7 on fire, racing to a 35-22 first-quarter lead. But B-Meg clawed their way back, trimming the lead to just 2 points at halftime (50-48). The second half turned into a slugfest, with both teams trading baskets and stops.

The turning point came in the 4th quarter when B-Meg’s import Marqus Blakely fouled out. With their main weapon out, and key players missing crucial shots, B-Meg couldn’t complete the comeback.

Rain or Shine held strong, showing composure and heart. When the final buzzer sounded, they emerged victorious—PBA champions for the first time in franchise history.



Rain or Shine’s 2012 Governors’ Cup championship was more than just a win—it was a testament to patience, team-building, and the belief that underdogs can rise.

From a struggling expansion team to PBA champions, the Elasto Painters' victory story is one of the most inspiring chapters in modern Philippine basketball history.


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