fought gallantly to the finish, but the more experienced Ginebra showed resiliency and defeated the Express, denying them the title. Even with the shortcoming, it was still the best showing of the team since they entered the league in 2002. 2008–09 season On December 17, 2008, Ranidel de Ocampo was unexpectedly traded from Air21 in exchange for Don Allado, and a first-round pick in 2012. During the Philippine Cup eliminations, they ended up 8–10 and bowed out to the San Miguel Beermen in the wildcard. In the next conference, they changed their name to the Burger King Titans and an all-new coaching staff was formed consisting of Yeng Guiao, Junel Baculi, Roehl Nadurata, and Jorge Gallent. On January 26, 2009, they traded Don Allado, Niño Canaleta, JC Intal, and Doug Kramer. In return, they gained Beau Belga, Chad Alonzo, and three future picks (Ginebra's first round selections in 2012 and 2013 and another from Purefoods). Allado and Canaleta went to Purefoods while Intal and Doug Kramer moved over to Ginebra. Chico Lanete was also part of the deal, first going to Burger King before ending up with Ginebra. Burger King Titans A day after the 3-way trade with the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, the PBA board finally approved the entry of Burger King in the PBA through Air21. During the meeting, team manager of the Express Lito Alvarez presented the documents that proved the 60 percent ownership of Bert Lina of the Burger King franchise. He also showed a letter from the late former commissioner Jun Bernardino that states: "if Mr. Lina owns at least 33.3 percent of any brand name in the PBA, then no franchise/transfer fee will be paid." The board then approved the name change of the franchise. As part of the competitive change, Philippine Basketball League team Harbour Centre Batang Pier's owner Mikee Romero also joined the Burger King Titans as the alternate Governor and Head of Basketball Operations. Erick Arejola was also appointed as the team Manager. Romero's first move was hiring former Red Bull Barako mentor and current RP head coach Yeng Guiao. Junel Baculi and Jorge Gallent were also added to assist Guiao. Burger King Whoppers (2009–2010) However, barely three months after controlling the franchise, Romero handed back the team to Lina after Harbour failed to close out a deal with the Metro Pacific Company in the selling