Introduction
Bernie Fabiosa (born 23 July 1954) is a retired Filipino professional basketball player and actor. He spent most of his playing days with the Crispa Redmanizers in the PBA. During his heyday, he is known as The Sultan of Swipe.
Playing career
Fabiosa played 17 seasons in the PBA from 1975 to 1991. His most memorable experience in the PBA was playing on two Crispa grand slam championship teams in 1976 under coach Baby Dalupan and in 1983 under coach Tommy Manotoc.
In 1981, he led the league in assists, tallying 8.4 points, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals across his name. He also led the league in steals for seven seasons.
After nine seasons with Crispa, he suited up for Shell, Presto, Purefoods and Sarsi/Swift. After injuring his collar bone, he decided to retire in 1991.
He finished his career with 6,597 points, 2,853 assists and 1,235 steals in 788 games. He converted 1,414/1,876 FTs for a career average of 75.4%. He is ranked No. 3 in all-time steals behind only Johnny Abarrientos and Ramon Fernandez. He is also ranked No. 10 in all-time assists, No. 12 in all-time games played and No. 26 in all-time minutes played.
In 2000, he was inducted to the all-time PBA 25th anniversary team.
Retirement and later career
After his playing days were over, Fabiosa dabbled into acting together with former Crispa teammate Atoy Co, where he took minor supporting roles in action movies.
Filmography
Source: Bernard Fabiosa - IMDb
| Year | Title | Role | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | May Isang Tsuper ng Taxi | As Himself | |
| 1992 | Lucio Margallo | Alex's men | |
| 1993 | Masahol Pa sa Hayop | Private Osco | |
| 1994 | Walang Matigas na Tinapay sa Mainit na Kape | As Himself | |
| Ka Hector | captured soldier | ||
| Kanto Boy 2: Anak ni Totoy Guapo | - | ||
| 1995 | Dog Tag: Katarungan sa Aking Kamay | Sgt. Carragua | |
| 1996 | Isa, Dalawa, Takbo | Totoy's men | |
| 1997 | Matrikula | Coach (as himself) | |
| Bobby Barbers: Parak | Ike | ||
| 1998 | Berdugo | Syndicate man | |
| Ang Erpat kong Astig | Bernie (as himself) | ||
| 2000 | Sagot Kita: Mula Ulo Hanggang Paa | Van Driver |
Personal life
Fabiosa was previously married to former beauty queen Marilyn Manansala, with whom he has two children, Magnolia and Byron. He was also in a relationship with singer Malu Barry, with whom has a child named Bernice.
Among his friends, he considered Philip Cesar and Atoy Co as his bestfriends. They called themselves PBA back in the old times, which stands for Philip, Bernard and Atoy.
He migrated to the United States in 2005 and now lives in Northridge in the northern California valley with his wife, Dr. Almi Valenzuela, a dentist.