After missing out the All-Filipino finals for the first time last season, the Tender Juicy Hotdogs welcome back guard Dindo Pumaren on its fold and signed two promising rookies.
The Hotdogs had a chance to force a sixth game when they led by one point, 92–91, with 10.3 seconds to go in the extension period of Game five, but Bong Ravena committed a foul on Alaska's Jeffrey Cariaso with six-tenths of a second remaining, sending him to the free throw line where Cariaso sank the two decisive free throws for the win.
February 27: The Hotdogs repulsed a rallying Ginebra, 100–92, for their first win in three games in the All-Filipino Cup in a match that saw tempers flaring between the fans of both teams.
July 21: Purefoods poured its full might in the fourth quarter to eke out a convincing 88–78 victory over San Miguel Beermen and earn a playoff ticket for the fifth and last semifinal slot in the Commissioners Cup.
[1] Ronnie Thompkins was tested positive on drug used and saw action for the last time in Purefoods' 84–101 loss to Sta.Lucia in their first game in the semifinals on August 4.