Praises, tributes pour in for Marc Pingris after announcing retirement

Tributes poured in on Tuesday shortly after Marc Pingris announced that he's officially calling it a career.

The 6-foot-5 charismatic bruiser on Tuesday shared in a heartfelt Instagram post that his storied PBA career has culminated and that he's ready to open another chapter in his life.

But as he moves forward, fellow athletes, personalities, and fans looked back and paid homage to the man phenomenally called the "Pinoy Sakuragi."

NLEX guard Kevin Alas said in a short comment to the post, "Congrats kuya Ping! God Bless!"

Doug Kramer, himself a retired PBA player and one of Pingris' strong matchups on the paint, shared his piece: "Congrats Ping! Awesome career! PH legend status. God bless you bro!"

Terrence Romeo of San Miguel Beer also showed his praises to the Magnolia forward.

"Maraming salamat Kuya Marc sa lahat ng nagawa mo sa basketball. Isa ka sa mga iniidolo ko on and off the court. Napaka-humble at mo," he said.

("Thank you Kuya Marc for everything you did for basketball. You're one of my idols on and off the court. You are so humble.")

Pingris's former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Gabe Norwood said that the 39-year-old slotman is a true PBA great.

"Greatly appreciate you, @jeanmarc15! Competing against you and repping the flag together are memories that'll stay with me forever. More power to you roommate," he said.

Troy Rosario of TNT also has also paid tribute to the man he considers as his idol, both on and off the court.

Athletes of other sports have also shown their appreciation to Pingris, a nine-time PBA champion and a two-time Finals MVP.

Volleyball ace Aby Marano of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers of PVL said that Pingris' career is one for the books.

"It was an amazing run—historical! Saludo sa 'yo [Salute to you] Kuya Ping."

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News