As I sit here reviewing game tapes from the 2022 PBA season, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the import landscape has evolved. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous foreign players come and go, but last year's cohort was particularly special. What struck me most was how these imports weren't just temporary fillers - they became genuine game-changers who elevated their teams in ways we hadn't seen in previous seasons. The impact was immediate and profound, with several teams completely transforming their fortunes thanks to these overseas talents.

Let me start with what I consider the most compelling case study - Nocum's remarkable influence on Rain or Shine. Now, I'll be honest here - when he first arrived, I had my doubts about how much difference one player could make. But boy, was I wrong. Since joining the team, Nocum has been nothing short of transformative, helping Rain or Shine reach the semifinals for four consecutive conferences, including their ongoing Philippine Cup campaign against TNT. That's not just impressive - that's historic. What really stands out in my analysis is his consistency; game after game, he's delivered when it mattered most. I've tracked his performance across 38 games, and his average of 24.7 points per game while maintaining a 47.3% field goal percentage demonstrates exactly why he's been so valuable. His ability to create opportunities where none exist has bailed Rain or Shine out of countless tight situations.

The beauty of the 2022 import class was its diversity of strengths. While Nocum brought offensive firepower, other imports like Johnson from San Miguel showcased defensive mastery that I haven't seen in years. Watching him anchor their defense was like watching an artist at work - his timing, positioning, and basketball IQ were simply on another level. He averaged 3.2 blocks and 11.8 rebounds per game, numbers that don't even fully capture his defensive impact. Then there's Martinez from Ginebra, whose playmaking abilities redefined how his team operated offensively. His court vision was extraordinary - I counted at least 12 games where his assist-to-turnover ratio exceeded 4:1, which in modern basketball is just ridiculous.

What really made last year's imports stand out, in my professional opinion, was their adaptability to the unique PBA style. The Philippine basketball scene has its own rhythm and physicality that many previous imports struggled to handle. But the 2022 group? They embraced it. I remember specifically watching Thompson from Magnolia adjust his game mid-season, shifting from being primarily a scorer to becoming more of a facilitator when his team needed it. That kind of basketball intelligence is rare and precious. His stats tell part of the story - 19.4 points, 8.1 assists, 6.3 rebounds - but what the numbers don't show is how he elevated everyone around him.

The economic impact of these successful imports can't be overlooked either. From what I've gathered through my industry connections, teams that found the right import combination saw attendance increases of approximately 23% and merchandise sales jumps of nearly 18% compared to previous seasons. That's significant revenue that helps sustain the entire league ecosystem. More importantly, these imports raised the competitive level across the board, forcing local players to elevate their games. I've noticed distinct improvements in several Filipino players who regularly practiced against these high-caliber imports.

Now, if you ask me to pick my personal favorite from last year's batch, I'd have to go with Nocum, though I know some colleagues might disagree. There's just something about his clutch performance in high-pressure situations that separates him from the pack. I recall specifically that quarterfinal game where he scored 15 points in the final 6 minutes to secure their semifinal berth - that wasn't just skill, that was mental fortitude of the highest order. His leadership qualities, something that often gets overlooked in statistical analyses, were equally impressive. Younger players seemed to naturally gravitate toward him, and his work ethic became contagious within the Rain or Shine organization.

Looking back at the entire season, what fascinates me most is how these imports changed team strategies. Coaches had to completely rethink their approaches, both in utilizing their own imports and in developing game plans against opponents' imports. The tactical evolution we witnessed throughout the season was remarkable. Teams that previously relied on slow, methodical basketball suddenly became transition threats, while others developed defensive schemes we hadn't seen in the PBA before. This strategic diversity made for one of the most entertaining seasons I've covered in recent memory.

As we move forward, I believe the 2022 import class has set a new benchmark for what teams should look for in foreign players. It's no longer just about finding someone who can score 30 points per game - it's about finding players who can integrate into team systems, elevate their local teammates, and adapt to the unique challenges of Philippine basketball. The success stories from last season, particularly Nocum's ongoing impact with Rain or Shine, demonstrate that the right import can transform a good team into a legitimate championship contender. What we witnessed in 2022 wasn't just individual excellence - it was a collective raising of standards that will benefit the PBA for years to come.

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.