I still remember the first time I saw Japeth Aguilar play live at the Araneta Coliseum back in 2012. Standing at 6'9" with that incredible wingspan, he moved with a grace you rarely see in someone his size. Over the years, I've watched him evolve from a raw talent into one of the most dominant forces in Philippine basketball history. His journey through the PBA has been nothing short of remarkable, and his impact on the sport in our country continues to resonate deeply with fans like myself who've followed his career from the beginning.

What strikes me most about Aguilar's career is how his development mirrors the growth of Philippine basketball itself. When he entered the PBA in 2009 as the first overall draft pick by Burger King, the league was in a transitional phase. Teams were looking for that next-generation big man who could compete with international players, and Aguilar seemed destined to fill that role. His early years showed flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency - that frustrating gap between potential and performance that often plagues young talents. I recall conversations with fellow basketball enthusiasts where we'd debate whether he'd ever fully harness his physical gifts. But watching him gradually transform his game season after season has been one of the most rewarding narratives in recent PBA history.

The turning point, in my observation, came around 2014-2015 when he truly began dominating games rather than just contributing to them. His statistics during this period tell part of the story - averaging around 16.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and an impressive 2.8 blocks per game during the 2015 Governor's Cup - but numbers alone can't capture how he changed games defensively. I've lost count of how many potential game-winning drives I've seen him erase with those incredible chase-down blocks that became his signature. His presence in the paint fundamentally altered how opposing teams approached their offense, often settling for jump shots rather than testing him at the rim.

Aguilar's partnership with Ginebra has been particularly special to witness. When he joined the crowd favorites in 2013, it felt like finding the perfect fit. The "never-say-die" spirit of Ginebra aligned beautifully with his evolving identity as a player. His championship runs with the team, especially the 2016 Governor's Cup title that ended Ginebra's 8-year drought, created moments that are now embedded in PBA folklore. I was there when he hit that game-winning alley-oop against San Miguel - the arena erupted in a way I've rarely experienced in my decades of watching Philippine basketball.

What many casual observers might not appreciate is how much work went into developing his current form. Early in his career, critics often pointed to his relatively slender frame as a limitation. But watching him add muscle while maintaining his athleticism demonstrated a commitment to his craft that deserves recognition. From weighing approximately 210 pounds during his rookie season to his current playing weight around 235, his physical transformation has been methodical and purposeful. This dedication extends beyond just strength training - I've spoken with team staff who marvel at his film study habits and attention to defensive positioning details.

The quote about gradually getting to know teammates and the team jelling properly by October perfectly captures Aguilar's understanding of team dynamics. Having covered the PBA for over fifteen years, I've come to appreciate how championship teams aren't built overnight. Aguilar's acknowledgment that chemistry develops gradually reflects the maturity he's gained throughout his career. This understanding of process over instant results has been crucial to his success with the national team as well, where he's been a fixture since 2011, representing the Philippines in numerous international competitions including the FIBA World Cup.

His impact extends beyond statistics and championships. In my conversations with young Filipino players, Aguilar's name frequently comes up as an inspiration. His success has helped shift perceptions about what Philippine big men can achieve, proving they can be athletic rim-protectors rather than just traditional post players. The "Aguilar effect" is visible in the current generation of tall Filipino players who now model their games after his two-way versatility. I've noticed more young prospects working on their perimeter skills and defensive timing rather than just traditional post moves - a direct influence of Aguilar's style.

Looking at his career achievements - 6 PBA championships, 2 Best Player of the Conference awards, 7 All-Star selections, and numerous Defensive Team honors - it's clear he's secured his place among the PBA's elite. But what impresses me most isn't the trophy case but his consistent evolution. Even now, in his mid-30s, I watch him make subtle adjustments to his game, expanding his range to the three-point line and improving his playmaking from the high post. These developments suggest a player who understands that longevity requires adaptation.

As someone who's followed the PBA since the 90s, I place Aguilar in that special category of players who transformed how their position is played in the Philippines. Similar to how Vergel Meneses redefined athleticism for local guards or Asi Taulava demonstrated the potential of Filipino-centers, Aguilar has created a blueprint for the modern Filipino big man. His combination of length, timing, and developing skill set represents what I believe will be the standard for future generations. The legacy he's building extends beyond championships - it's about changing possibilities for Philippine basketball.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.