When the Tanduay ballclub announces its gonna take a leave of absence beginning the 1988 PBA season, Purefoods acquired its rights and the contracts of six of the Tanduay players namely; Ramon Fernandez, Freddie Hubalde, Padim Israel, Willie Generalao, Jose Yango and Onchie Dela Cruz, and were able to lure the best amateur standouts for its maiden appearance in the PBA.
The BAP ordered RFM-Swift's, Patrimonio's PABL team, to release him to the PBA without any conditions as he is set to don Purefoods' jersey come June 30.
As the odds-on favorite to win the All-Filipino title, the Hotdogs lost to crowd-favorite and arch-rival Añejo Rum 65 in the finals where the center of controversy was the management's decision to bench their former playing-coach Ramon Fernandez starting Game two of the championship series.
Purefoods limited the Ginebras to a single three-pointer by Joey Loyzaga in a five-minute spell in the third quarter to erase a 68–57 deficit and surge in front, 78–71.
[3] July 12: Purefoods rallies from 19 points down to pull off a 114-110 come-from behind win over Añejo Rum 65 (formerly Ginebra San Miguel) in their first meeting in the All-Filipino Conference.
[4] August 11: Ramon Fernandez scored a conference-high 47 points in leading the Hotdogs to a 132–125 victory over San Miguel Beermen at the start of the All-Filipino Conference semifinals.