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{{short description|Philippine Basketball Association team}}
{{About|the second Barako Bull (and the original Air21 Express) team|the original Barako Bull team|Barako Bull Energy Boosters|the second Air21 Express team|Air21 Express (2012–2014)}}
{{redirect|Burger King Whoppers|the Whopper hamburger|Whopper}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox NBA team 
| current=
| name=Barako Bull Energy
| logo=Barako Bull Energy logo, without pixel.png
| founded=2002
| dissolved=Sold in 2016
| history='''FedEx Express''' (2002–2005)<br>'''Air21 Express''' (2005–2009, 2010–2011)<br>'''Burger King Titans/Whoppers''' (2009–2010)<br>'''Barako Bull Energy Cola''' (2012–2013)<br>'''Barako Bull Energy''' (2011–2012, 2013–2016)
|colors=Red, black, yellow, white <br /> {{Color box|#EF1923}} {{Color box|#000000}} {{Color box|#FFD300}} {{Color box|#FFFFFF}}
| owner=[[Alberto Lina|Alberto D. Lina]]
<!--| gm=Jose Manuel C. Alvarez-->
| company=Energy Food and Drinks Inc.
| coach={{flagicon|PHI}} [[Koy Banal]]
| league_champs=None<br />1 Finals Appearance
| 1_pattern_b=_BarakoBull_l |1_body=|1_shorts=| 1_pattern_s=_BarakoBull_l |1_title=Light uniform
| 2_pattern_b=_BarakoBull_d |2_body=|2_shorts=| 2_pattern_s=_BarakoBull_d |2_title=Dark uniform
}}

The '''Barako Bull Energy''' were a [[Philippine Basketball Association]] that began in 2002 as the FedEx Express.

From its first season until 2005, the team was dubbed as the '''FedEx Express''' before changing to '''Air21 Express'''. From the [[2009 PBA Fiesta Conference]] until the [[2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup]], it became known as the '''Burger King Titans'''. However, when manager Mikee Romero decided to pull out of the team, they were reorganized and renamed the '''Burger King Whoppers''' before returning to their original name starting the [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference]].

However, Air21 changed its name to Barako Bull Energy after the Lina Group bought the [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|original Barako Bull franchise]] and 49 percent stake of Energy Food and Drinks Inc., the owner of the Barako Bull franchise and the exclusive distributor of Red Bull Energy Drink products in the Philippines. They added the word '[[cola]]' to their team name in order to promote their new soft-drink product.

Barako Bull is owned by Energy Food and Drinks Inc., a subsidiary of the Linaheim Corporate Services, owners of the defunct [[Laguna Lakers]] of the [[Metropolitan Basketball Association]]. The franchise bought the former [[Tanduay Rhum Masters|Tanduay]] team after the 2001 season.

==History==

===Tanduay Rhum Masters===
{{main|Tanduay Rhum Masters}}

The ''Tanduay Rhum Masters'' made its PBA return in the 1999 season, after a 12-year hiatus. This time, the team had a new ownership in [[Asia Brewery]] of [[Lucio Tan|Lucio Tan's]] son, [[Bong Tan (executive)|Bong]] (The Tanduay team in the 1970s and 80s was owned by the Elizalde family). After a runner-up finish in the 1999 All-Filipino Conference, the Rhum Masters failed to advanced in the finals since. To add insult, the deportation of alleged ''fil-sham'' Sonny Alvarado and the indefinite suspensions of Eric Menk and Rudy Hatfield (due to lack of documents to prove themselves as a legitimate Fil-American), the management became frustrated.

After the 2001 season, the fire sale began as Tanduay traded Dondon Hontiveros to [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]], Jeffrey Cariaso to the new [[Coca Cola Tigers|Coca Cola]] franchise and Menk to [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Barangay Ginebra]]. After this, Tanduay sold its franchise of [[Bert Lina]] and the local franchisee of [[FedEx]] for a reported sum of [[Philippine peso|PHP]] 60–75 million.

Technically, the old Tanduay franchise and the current Burger King team's lineage were pulled apart as were most of the other PBA teams (Tanduay/Purefoods, Crispa/Shell, et al.).

===2002–2005: FedEx Express===
After the purchase, they named the team as the ''FedEx Express''. The Express moniker was used as a reference to their company's role in fast-paced delivery.

In the 2001 PBA Draft, the Express held the first overall pick in the draft. Initially, the FedEx expressed its desire to draft [[Metropolitan Basketball Association|MBA]] star [[Rommel Adducul]], but his MBA team the [[Batangas Blades]] denied Adducul's request for a release. With this, FedEx nabbed [[Saint Francis of Assisi College System]] 6-foot-9 center [[Yancy de Ocampo]] as their first-ever pick as a PBA team. Also in the first round, the Express landed [[De La Salle University-Manila|De La Salle University]] star [[Renren Ritualo]] with the eight pick. [[Jerry Codiñera]] was also added to the team along with a few holdovers from Tanduay.

Many-time amateur and commercial league champion coach [[Derrick Pumaren]] was named as the first head coach of the FedEx team. He was the last coach of the Tanduay franchise in the PBA before it was absorbed by FedEx.

Former Tanduay forward [[Bong Hawkins]] was among those absorbed by the FedEx franchise in 2002. However, a controversy sparked between Hawkins and the FedEx management. The former [[University of Perpetual Help System Dalta|Perpetual Help]] standout wanted to have the same terms of the salary he held with Tanduay while the FedEx management was basing the contract on a written one. In the end, Hawkins was released and eventually joined [[Coca-Cola Tigers|Coca-Cola]] in 2003.

FedEx's first-ever match was an opening game against the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]] which they lost. At that time, Ritualo was loaned the [[Philippine national basketball team|RP National pool]]. The Express also added [[Bong Alvarez]] in the lineup along with Jermaine Walker as one of their imports. The Express made it to the quarterfinals of the Governor's Cup but was quickly eliminated. In the Commissioner's Cup, Ritualo made his much-awaited debut with FedEx but the Express once again failed to enter past the semis. Alvarez left the team for the [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters|Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]], but it acquired the services of [[Vergel Meneses]] from [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Ginebra]]. In the All-Filipino, FedEx again failed to enter the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Ritualo was named as the Rookie of the Year after the season, to spark a promising future for the team.

In 2003, the Express nabbed former MBA [[Metropolitan Basketball Association#MBA Most Valuable Players|MVP]] [[John Ferriols]] in the draft. The Express finished with an impressive second place in the elimination round of the All-Filipino Cup. In the quarterfinals, the Express failed to enter the semis after finishing last place of the single-round robin quarterfinals phase.

Their performance in the All-Filipino earned the team an early entry to the PBA Invitational tournament. The Express placed third in the special tournament, earning the team its first trophy in the league.

In the Reinforced Conference, the Express bannered Terrence Shannon as import. However, in the opening round, they were eliminated by [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]]. During the said tournament, Pumaren was fired and was replaced by former [[Laguna Lakers|Lakers]] coach Bonifacio "Bonnie" Garcia.

During the [[2004 PBA Draft|2004 Draft]], FedEx nabbed three picks in the first round with [[Marc Pingris]], [[Ranidel de Ocampo]], and [[Wesley Gonzales]]. In the Fiesta Conference, the Express ended up in ninth place and was eliminated by the [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters|Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]] in the Wild-Card phase. A coaching change also happened when Garcia was replaced by legendary coach [[Joe Lipa]].

Meneses was then shipped to the [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Barako]] during the off season for [[Homer Se]] and a draft pick.

In the 2004–2005 Philippine Cup, the Express once again finished fourth in the classification phase and was eliminated early by the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]].

Lipa resigned after the tournament and was replaced by former Filipino mentor of the Indonesian national team [[Bong Ramos]]. They also fielded former [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] veteran [[Oliver Miller|Oliver "Pig" Miller]] for the Fiesta Conference.

The Express finished fifth in the classification phase. It was highlighted by Renren Ritualo's eight three-pointers in a quarter during a game. However, in the Wild-Card phase, they were eliminated by [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods]].

===2005–2009: Air21 Express===
{|class="infobox"
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!colspan=2 style="{{PBA color cell|Air21 Express|border=2}}"|<big>{{center|1=<span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Air21 Express</span>}}</big>
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|{{Basketball kit|pattern_b=_air21_l|pattern_s=_air21_l|title=Light uniform}}
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During the off season, the Express renamed the team to the ''Air21 Express'' after [[FedEx]] left the country. Ramos resigned at season's end due to his failure to imply the team's policy. However, many believed that there were other reasons for his resignation.

Former [[Laguna Lakers]] head coach [[Bo Perasol]] was named as the replacement. In the [[2005 PBA Draft]], Air21 had three picks in the first round. They nabbed [[Philippine Basketball League|PBL]] star [[Jay Washington|Anthony Washington]] as the first pick and [[De La Salle University-Manila|De La Salle University]] star [[Mark Cardona]] as the fifth pick overall. But the Express traded Washington and Cardona in separate deals to Talk 'N Text for [[Yancy de Ocampo]] and [[Patrick Fran]], respectively, amid criticisms by various people. The other pick was [[University of the East]] star [[Niño Canaleta]].

But Air21 made a strong showing in the [[2005–2006 PBA season|2005–2006]] [[2005–06 PBA Fiesta Conference|Fiesta Conference]]. With Perasol as coach and bulky import [[Shawn Daniels (basketball)|Shawn Daniels]] at the helm, the Express surprised everyone with several upsets against Talk 'N Text and San Miguel to finish fourth in the classification phase. Air21 eliminated San Miguel in the wildcard phase and upset the Phone Pals in a five-game quarterfinals affair. However, in six games they were eliminated by Purefoods in the semi-finals. At the end of the conference, Air21 defeated the [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]] to capture third place in the tournament.

In the Philippine Cup, the Express acquired [[Mark Telan]] from the [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters|Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]] for [[John Ferriols]]. On May 8, the team traded its franchise player Ritualo to the [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters|Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]] for [[Leo Avenido]] and two future first round picks. Many basketball fans saw this trade as another rebuilding mode for the team while others speculate about a potential cost-cutting of the Express for its impending disbandment, although there were no accuracy of the possibility.

However, since the Ritualo trade, the Express went 3–1 the rest of the classification phase to finish with a 7–9 record. The surge saw the improvement of Air21 rookie Canaleta, who had multiple 30-point games during the streak. However, the Express failed to beat the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]] in a one-game playoff for the third outright quarterfinals berth. The loss relegated Air21 in a round-robin wildcard phase. In the deciding game, Ginebra beat the Express, 118–114 in overtime, to eliminate them from contention.

====2006–07 season====
In the off season, the Express acquired Aries Dimaunahan and [[Ervin Sotto]] from the Ginebra as part of a huge three-team trade along with the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]]. In the [[2006 PBA Draft]], Air21 selected [[Arwind Santos]] of the [[FEU Tamaraws]] and the PBL's Magnolia Ice Cream with the second overall pick. Stephen Padilla and Bruce Dacia's contract were not renewed by the team.

After a so-so performance at the Philippine Cup, the Express eked out a 7–11 record, good enough for a return trip to the wildcard phase. Needing to sweep all of the games in order to force a playoff for a quarterfinal berth, the Express defeated all wildcard teams. In the elimination game against Sta. Lucia, the Express came up short as they were beaten 121–118 via overtime.

Before the start of the wildcard phase, Air21 sent [[Yancy de Ocampo]] and [[Leo Avenido]] to Talk 'N Text for rookies [[Mark Andaya]] and Abby Santos plus future draft picks.

Air21 also had talks with former Senator and the PBA's Living Legend [[Robert Jaworski]] to either accept a capacity within the team or as a head coach before he beg off prior to the start of the Fiesta Conference.

Still, the Express finished with a 10–8 record for fifth place in the standings with Shawn Daniels as import. At one point, Air21 was 7–3 before losing five of their last eight games, before beating San Miguel in a one-game playoff for the third outright quarterfinals berth.

The [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters|Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]] defeated them in the quarters in a full three-game series, despite the Express' Game 1 victory.

====2007–08 season====
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Gary david5.jpeg|left|upright|thumb|[[Gary David]] led the Air21 Express to their first ever Finals stint.]] -->

The off season saw Air21 selecting Ateneo teammates [[JC Intal]] and [[Doug Kramer]] in the first round while nabbing [[Marvin Cruz]] in the second round of the [[2007 PBA Draft]].

The buzz about Jaworski coaching the team once again came to light but the 'Living Legend' did not made any decision on it. This kept Perasol as head coach for the 2007–08 season. The Express had a rocky [[2007-08 PBA Philippine Cup]], finishing the elimination round with a 7–11 record, tied for 8th (they were eventually seeded 8th since they had beaten the team they were tied with, the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]], in the elimination round twice).

In the ensuing wildcard phase, the Express eliminated the defending champions [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]], thanks to [[Wynne Arboleda]]'s career-high 32 points. However, they were beaten by the Tigers in the last wildcard causing the team to be eliminated.

In the 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference, the team, bannered by 6-ft 9-in hulking import Steve Thomas with [[Gary David]] and [[Arwind Santos]], entered the Finals for the first time in franchise history. They then faced the crowd-darlings of Philippine basketball, the [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]]. During Game 1, Ginebra took the game via a 105–96 decision. The Express came roaring back in Game 2 by plastering the Kings to a 124–90 rout. Game 3 was also bagged by the Express. However, the Kings managed to tie the series in Game 4 with a 90–77 win. In Game 5, Air21 squeaked past the Kings with a 76–73 dogfight and a 3–2 advantage in the series. Needing only one game to win the series and the very first championship of the team, Air21 was prevented by a depleted lineup of the Kings due to injury, and forced a deciding Game 7 with an 80–75 victory in Game 6. And in Game 7, with all the cards in place, the two teams 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2421/1/ |title=Philippine Basketball Association - TROPANG TEXTERS WELCOME RANIDEL WITH 24-POINT ROUT OF KINGS |access-date=January 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131234154/http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2421/1/ |archive-date=January 31, 2009 }}</ref> 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]], [[Richard Alonzo|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===
{|class="infobox"
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!colspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; {{box-shadow border|a|#DA291C|2px}}"|<big>{{center|1=<span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Burger King Titans</span>}}</big>
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|align=center colspan=2|
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|{{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#DA291C}} {{color box|#F2A900}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
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|{{Basketball kit|pattern_b=_thinredsides|body=FFFFFF|shorts=FFFFFF|title=Light uniform}}
|{{Basketball kit|pattern_b=_thinredsides|body=000000|shorts=000000|title=Dark uniform}}
|}

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 [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Barako]] mentor and current [[Philippine national basketball team|RP]] head coach [[Yeng Guiao]]. Junel Baculi and Jorge Gallent were also added to assist Guiao.

===Burger King Whoppers (2009–2010)===
{|class="infobox"
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!colspan=2 style="{{PBA color cell|Burger King Whoppers|border=2}}"|<big>{{center|1=<span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Burger King Whoppers</span>}}</big>
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|{{color box|#0033A0}} {{color box|#DA291C}} {{color box|#F2A900}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
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|{{Basketball kit|pattern_b=_thinyellowsides|body=FFFFFF|shorts=FFFFFF|title=Light uniform}}
|{{Basketball kit|pattern_b=_thinyellowsides|body=0033A0|shorts=0033A0|title=Dark uniform}}
|}

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 of its port company to [[Manuel V. Pangilinan]]'s Group. The amount was reportedly the one to be used in the expansion program of the [[Burger King]] fast-food chain, which currently has a total of 63 outlets in the Philippines. This caused changes in the front office staff, with Lito Alvarez assuming the position of team manager.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152724/Romeros-group-out-of-Burger-King-Lina-Group-takes-control-anew Romero’s group out of Burger King, Lina Group takes control anew], GMANews.tv</ref> As a result, Gallent went to the [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants]]; Guiao and Baculi stayed as coaches. The Titans would also change their team nickname anew, using "Burger King [[Whopper]]s" as their new team name. Guiao's long time deputy Roehl Nadurata and Johnny Tam were then hired by the team.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153259/Baculi-stays-with-Burger-King-Gallent-goes-to-Purefoods Baculi stays with Burger King, Gallent goes to Purefoods], GMANews.tv</ref>

====Baguio, Se, Cruz Traded to SMC Teams====
[[Cyrus Baguio]], reportedly unhappy in Burger King, was dealt to the Barangay Ginebra Kings along with bruiser [[Homer Se]] for future picks while [[Celino Cruz]] was shipped to the Purefoods TJ Giants for forward [[Aaron Aban]].<ref>[http://www.ngetstudio.com/news/?id=a3d0b398-dbf4-4867-9cb3-a2cd8dfc4764#comments], Ngetstudio.com</ref>

====Sharma and Alonzo Trade====
Burger King traded Richard Alonzo to Barako Bull for Carlo Sharma.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/163559/Burger-King-Barako-Bull-swap-players-to-beat-trade-deadline], Gmanews.tv</ref>

====Arwind Santos to San Miguel Beermen====
Burger King marquee player Arwind Santos was traded to San Miguel for [[Marc Pingris]] and [[Ken Bono]], and San Miguel's 2010 first-round pick. Pingris was also an original member of the team being the third overall pick in the Draft. He played one season for the team before being shipped to Purefoods. He was then traded to San Miguel for [[Enrico Villanueva]]. Bono, a one-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, first played for Alaska before he was traded to SMB. During the 2008-2009 PBA Season, Santos played a total of 44 games, averaging 16.18 points (6th overall), 7.75 rebounds (9th), 1.11 blocks (4th) shot 70.8% from the freethrow line and 40.4% from the field in 31.73 minutes (12th) per game.

====Japeth traded to TNT, then released back to Gilas====
After playing a single game for the Whoppers, Aguilar was traded from the Burger King Whoppers as he was forwarded to the [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters]] in exchange for four first round future picks (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) and undisclosed amount of money.  The Tropang Texters in turn released him back to Smart Gilas.

====Wynne Arboleda incident====
Another incident, this time involving its team captain and son-in-law of its team owner, put the Whoppers into the sports headlines once more.  On October 16, 2009, during their game against Aguilar and [[Smart Gilas]] at the [[Araneta Coliseum]], specifically halfway in the second quarter, [[Wynne Arboleda]] physically assaulted a paying spectator, Alain Katigbak, after the latter shouted profane words directed at him following his second flagrant foul against Gilas' Mac Baracael.  As a result of the second flagrant foul, he was ejected from the court soon after.<ref>[http://www.tribune.net.ph/sports/20091017spo1.html Whoppers prove life goes on sans Japeth]</ref>

Three days later, PBA Commissioner [[Sonny Barrios]] suspended him for the rest of the 2009–2010 season without pay effective immediately, on top of any possible court case Katigbak would file against him as a result of the assault.  The suspension is said to be the league's heaviest sanction to date.  In addition, he was fined PhP20,000 for the two flagrant 1 fouls he committed, and was blacklisted from attending PBA games during the period of his suspension.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/175028/pba-suspends-arboleda-for-rest-of-the-season PBA suspends Arboleda for rest of the season]</ref>

===Air21 Express (2010–2011)===
After finishing 7th in the [[2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine Cup]], team owner Lito Alvarez announced that the team will revert to the Air21 Express name.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/184513/name-dropping-burger-king-is-air21-again Name dropping: Burger King is Air21 again], GMANews.tv</ref> The team then acquired [[Doug Kramer]] and [[Rich Alvarez]] from the [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]] in exchange for [[Yancy de Ocampo]] and a future 2nd round draft pick. They also got the service of [[Mike Cortez]] from the [[San Miguel Beermen]] in exchange for [[Alex Cabagnot]]. They then drafted [[Nonoy Baclao]], [[Rabeh Al-Hussaini]], and [[Rey Guevarra]].

===Blockbuster Trade===
On March 2, 2011, the [[San Miguel Beermen]] has finally closed a deal with the [[Air 21 Express]] with the approval of Commissioner Chito Salud. The Beermen shifted [[Paul Artadi]], [[Danny Seigle]], Cebuano Hot Shot [[Dondon Hontiveros]] and [[Dorian Pena]] to the Express in exchange for three draft rookie draft picks [[Nonoy Baclao]], [[Rabeh Al-Hussaini]] and [[Rey Guevarra]]. The trade is the revised proposal of the Beermen which initially involved [[Joseph Yeo]], [[Danny Seigle]] and [[Mick Pennisi]] in exchange for the said top rookie picks. It was not approved by Commissioner Chito Salud until the revised trade came in.

===Barako Bull era (2011–2016)===
[[File:Barako Bull Energy Cola team logo.png|thumb|The logo of Barako Bull Energy Cola|upright]]

After the sale of the majority share of the Energy Food and Drinks, a subsidiary of Photokina Marketing that exclusively distributed [[Red Bull Energy Drink]] to the Philippines to the Lina Group of Companies, the group announced that Air21 will be renamed to Barako Bull, fulfilling one of the provisions of the agreement between the Chua and Lina groups. In order to prevent conflict with the [[Petron Blaze Boosters]], the team opted to drop the "Boosters" from their name and became known as just simply the Energy. The team then hired veteran coach Junel Baculi, who previously coached Barako Bull (now [[Shopinas.com Clickers]]) before its dissolution. They then acquired free agent Jondan Salvador, then on the [[2011 PBA Draft]] selected former Gilas reserve Dylan Ababou and PBA D - League MVP Allein Maliksi, who joined the main roster almost immediately. The team also became involved in a three-way trade with sister team [[Shopinas.com Clickers]] and [[B-Meg Llamados]] where Barako Bull acquired Don Allado and future second round picks from B - Meg, while losing Elmer Espiritu to Shopinas.

On November 16, the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] commissioner [[Chito Salud]] approved of a trade that sent [[Allein Maliksi]] and former Rookie of the Year [[Rico Maierhofer]] to [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]], [[Jimbo Aquino]] and 2013 1st round pick(GIN) to Barako Bull Energy, and 2002 PBA 1st overall pick [[Yancy de Ocampo]] + 2012 2nd round pick(GIN) to [[San Mig Coffee Mixers]].

On September 8, 2012, it was announced that they will play under the moniker '''Barako Bull Energy Cola'''.

On April 3, 2013, NBA player DJ Mbenga signed with the Barako Bull Energy.

====2013–14 season====
Before the start of the 39th PBA season, Barako Bull was the subject of all the criticism from league pundits and social media, because of the questionable personnel moves made during the off-season.  They terminated [[Rajko Toroman|Rajko Toroman's]] contract as its active consultant, and kept [[Bong Ramos]] as its coach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/breaking-its-silence-barako-bull-sticks-with-ramos-as-coach-explains-toroman-departure-v02|title=Breaking its silence, Barako Bull sticks with Ramos as coach, explains Toroman departure}}</ref>  They also traded away all their three first round picks for established veterans, which team manager Raffy Casyao considers as team strategy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/barako-insists-trading-away-draft-picks-part-of-team-strategy|title = Barako insists trading away draft picks part of 'team strategy'}}</ref>  Casyao explained that they wanted to get quality, tried and tested veteran players that can give them some impact right away, as opposed to rebuilding the team with rookies from the ground up.  As a result of these offseason moves, they lost Danny Seigle to free agency, and added loads of veterans [[Dennis Miranda]], [[Rico Maierhofer]], [[Willy Wilson]], [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]], [[Robert Labagala]], and [[Dorian Peña]].  They also drafted ex-UST stalwart [[Jeric Fortuna]] and Benildean star [[Carlo Lastimosa]].

As a matter of fact, they were projected to finish dead last in the conference, yet they proved their doubters wrong.  They finished sixth in the [[2013–14 PBA Philippine Cup]] with 5–9 record,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/vindication-for-ramos-as-much-maligned-barako-bull-proves-doubters-wrong|title=Vindication for Ramos as much-maligned Barako Bull proves doubters wrong}}</ref> earned a playoff spot and the right to face [[San Miguel Beermen|Petron Blaze Boosters]] in their best of three quarterfinal series.  They were swept by the Boosters.

In the midst of 2013–14 PBA season [[Siot Tanquingcen]] took over as the Barako Bulls new head coach replacing [[Bong Ramos]], However, just 2 days before the start of the [[2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup]] The Barako Bulls management decided to part ways with Tanquinsen sighting professional differences, Assistant Coach [[Koy Banal]] was named the new head coach.
The team also has been involved in a series of trades first sending sophomore [[Jeric Fortuna]] to [[San Miguel Beermen]] for veteran [[Paolo Hubalde]] they also traded veteran big man [[Mick Pennisi]] to [[Star Hotshots|Purefoods Star Hotshots]] for [[Ronnie Matias]], [[Isaac Holstein]] and two future second round picks.

==Sale of franchise to Phoenix Petroleum==
{{main|Phoenix Fuel Masters}}
In January 2016, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. had sealed a deal with Barako Bull for the team's transfer of ownership costing 100 million pesos.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/01/19/1544310/barako-bull-phoenix-agree-sale-pba-franchise|title=Barako Bull, Phoenix agree on sale of PBA franchise|newspaper=[[The Philippine Star]]|last=Beltran|first=Nelson|date=January 19, 2016|access-date=January 20, 2016}}</ref> The PBA Board of Governors unanimously approve the sale on January 20. In addition, the board also got the green light to Phoenix to play in the [[2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup]] instead of waiting until the 2016-17 PBA season.<ref>[http://pba.inquirer.net/66305/pba-board-oks-sale-of-barako-bull PBA Board OKs sale of Barako Bull], PBA.inquirer.net, January 20, 2016</ref>

==Relationship with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) owned teams==
Barako Bull has been often criticized for its transactions with San Miguel Corporation-owned franchises ([[San Miguel Beermen]], [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]] and [[Star Hotshots]]).<ref>[http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/pba-board-approves-sale-of-barako-bull-franchise-to-phoenix-petroleu PBA board approves sale of Barako Bull franchise to Phoenix Petroleum], spin.ph, January 20, 2016</ref> When the franchise was still known as the Air21 Express, they were involved in dubious transactions, often acting as a conduit in trades between the SMC teams, since the league prohibit teams with common ownership (sister teams) in trading players directly. 
The team also traded future draft picks with SMC teams as Barako Bull always ends up at the bottom of the standings at the conclusion of the season.<ref>[http://firequinito.com/archives/403-Air-21-leads-the-clusterfuck-that-was-the-2010-PBA-rookie-draft.html Air 21 leads the clusterfuck that was the 2010 PBA rookie draft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119074622/http://firequinito.com/archives/403-Air-21-leads-the-clusterfuck-that-was-the-2010-PBA-rookie-draft.html |date=January 19, 2016 }}, Jaemark Tordecilla, firequinito.com, August 29, 2010</ref><ref>[http://firequinito.com/archives/518-Air-21-the-whole-team-for-sale-to-SMC.html Air 21--the whole team--for sale to SMC?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128184304/http://firequinito.com/archives/518-Air-21-the-whole-team-for-sale-to-SMC.html |date=January 28, 2016 }}, Jaemark Tordecilla, firequinito.com, February 28, 2011</ref> [[June Mar Fajardo]] (San Miguel), [[Chris Ellis (basketball)|Chris Ellis]] (Barangay Ginebra), [[Ian Sangalang]] and [[Justin Melton]] (Star) were all acquired by their respective teams from trading future draft picks from Barako Bull.<ref>[http://www.slamonlineph.com/middleman/ The Middleman], By: Cholo Evangelista, SLAM Philippines, February 2, 2015</ref>

==Mascot==
"Captain Bull" was the mascot of the Energy. He was also the mascot of the [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|original Red Bull/Barako Bull franchise]] since their first season in 2000.

==Final roster==
{{PBA roster header
| team=Barako Bull Energy
}}
<!-- begin player list -->
{{player2 | num = 1 | first = James | last = Forrester | dab = basketball | pos = GF | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 190 | DOB = 1989–09–03 | college = Arellano | nat = CAN | note =  }}
{{player2 | num = 2 | first = Josh | last = Urbiztondo | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 185 | DOB = 1983–02–27 | college = Fresno Pacific | nat = USA}}
{{player2 | num = 6 | first = Emman | last = Monfort | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 132 | DOB = 1989–07–02 | college = Ateneo | nat = PHI}} 
{{player2 | num = 7 | first  = JC | last = Intal | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 185 | DOB = 1983–11–18 | college = Ateneo | nat = PHI | note = C }}
{{player2 | num = 8 | first = RR | last = Garcia | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 165 | DOB = 1990–01–12 | college = Far Eastern University| | nat = PHI}}
{{player2 | num = 11 | first = Jeric | last = Fortuna | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 170 | DOB = 1991–11–25 | college = University of Santo Tomas | nat = PHI}}
{{player2 | num = 12 | first = Prince | last = Caperal | pos = CF | ft = 6 | in = 7 | lbs = 230 | DOB = 1993–06–12 | college = Arellano University  | nat = PHI | note = |}}
{{player2 | num = 17 | first = Jens | last = Knuttel | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 169 | DOB = 1989–09–17 | college = Far Eastern University | nat = GER | note = IN}}
{{player2 | num = 20 | first = Yutien | last = Andrada | pos = CF | ft = 6 | in = 7 | lbs =203 | DOB = 1990–11–18 | college = De La Salle University | nat = PHI | note = R}}
{{player2 | num = 26 | first = Chico  | last = Lanete | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 180 | DOB = 1979–08–01 | college = Lyceum of the Philippines | nat = PHI |inj = |note = }}
{{player2 | num = 28 | first = Willy | last = Wilson | pos = F |  ft = 6 | in = 5 | lbs = 215 | DOB = 1980–01–30 | college = De La Salle University | nat = USA |  note = }}
{{player2 | num = 34 | first = Michael | last = Miranda | pos = CF | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs =210 | DOB = 1990–12–12 | college = San Sebastian College – Recoletos de Manila | nat = PHI | note = R}}
{{player2 | num = 42 | first = Paul | last = Sorongon | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 178 | DOB = 1985–12–12 | college = University of the Philippines | nat = PHI | note = }}
{{player2 | num = 45 | first = Mac | last = Baracael | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 205 |DOB = 1985–04–14| college = Far Eastern University | nat = PHI }}
{{player2 | num = 88 | first = Mick | last = Pennisi | pos = C | ft = 6 | in = 11 | lbs = 235 | DOB = 1975–03–13 | college = Eastern Michigan University | nat = AUS}}
{{player2 | num = 91 | first = Rodney  | last = Brondial | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 210 | DOB = 1990–11–20 | college = Adamson University | nat = PHI}}
{{PBA roster footer  
| head_coach = 
* {{player||PHI|[[Koy Banal]]}} ({{college|Mapúa Institute of Technology}}) 
| asst_coach =
* {{player||PHI|[[Arturo Dela Cruz]]}} ({{college|San Sebastian College – Recoletos de Manila}})
* {{player||PHI|[[Jigs Mendoza]]}} ({{college|University of the Philippines}})
* {{player||PHI|[[Paolo Rivero]]}} ({{college|Adamson University}})
| team_man = 
* {{player||PHI|Raymond Rodriguez}}
| roster_url = http://pba.inquirer.net/teams/barako-bull-energy-cola
}}

==Season-by-season records==
{{main|List of Barako Bull Energy seasons}}
:''Records from the [[2015–16 PBA season]]:''
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan=2|[[List of PBA conferences|Conf.]] !! rowspan=2|Team name !!colspan=4| Elimination round !!colspan=2| Playoffs
|-
! Finish !! W !! L !! PCT !! Stage !! Results
|-
|[[2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup|PHI]] || style="{{PBA color cell|Barako Bull Energy|border=2}}" | '''Barako Bull Energy''' || 8th/12 || 5 || 6 || .455 || Quarterfinals: 1st Phase || GlobalPort 94, Barako Bull 85*
|-
! colspan=3|Elimination round !! 5 !! 6 !! .455 !! — !!colspan=2| 0 semifinal appearances
|-
! colspan=3|Playoffs !! 0 !! 1 !! .000 !! — !! colspan=2| 0 Finals appearances
|-
! colspan=3|Cumulative records !! 5 !! 7 !! .417 !! — !! colspan=2| 0 championships
|-
! colspan=3|Total franchise !! 238 !! 327 !! .421 !! — !! colspan=2| 0 championships
|}*one-game playoffs<br>**team had the twice-to-beat advantage

==Players of note==

===Members of the PBA's 40 greatest players===
* [[Jerry Codiñera]] - played for FedEx from 2002 to 2005.
* [[Vergel Meneses]] - played for FedEx from 2002 to 2004.
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - played for Barako Bull from 2011 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2014.
* [[Marc Pingris]] - played for FedEx franchise from 2004 to 2005.
* [[Arwind Santos]] - played for Air21 Express/Burger King Whoppers from 2006 to 2009

===Other notable players===
* [[Paul Alvarez]] - played for FedEx in 2002.
* [[Wynne Arboleda]] - longest tenured player for the franchise. Played from 2002 to 2012 
* [[Cyrus Baguio]] - played for Burger King for 2009.
* [[KG Canaleta]] - played for Air21 from 2005 to 2009.
* [[Gary David]] - played for Air21/Burger King from 2005 to 2009. Air21 Express Franchise' All-Time Leading Scorer.
* [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] - played for FedEx/Air21 franchise from 2004 to 2008.
* [[Yancy de Ocampo]] - played for FedEx/Air21 franchise from 2002 to 2004, 2005–2006; team's first-ever draft choice and had two stints with the team.
* [[John Ferriols]] - played for FedEx franchise from 2004 to 2006.
* [[JC Intal]] - played for Air21/Barako Bull from 2007 to 2009 and from 2013 to 2016.
* [[Mick Pennisi]] - played for Barako Bull from 2011 to 2016.
* [[Dindo Pumaren]] (San Beda) - played his last PBA season with FedEx in 2002.
* [[Ren-Ren Ritualo]] (La Salle) - played for FedEx/Air21 franchise from 2002 to 2006.
* [[Danny Seigle]] - played for Air21/Barako Bull from 2011 to 2013.
* [[Ronald Tubid]] - played for FedEx/Air21 franchise from 2005 to 2006 and for Barako Bull for a part of 2012 to 2013.


=== Imports ===
* [[Steven Thomas (basketball)|Steven Thomas]] – led Air21 to its first finals appearance in the 2007 – 2008 season.
* [[Shawn Daniels (basketball)|Shawn Daniels]] – led Air21 to a third-place finish in the 2005 – 06 Fiesta Conference. Had multiple stints with the team.
* [[Alpha Bangura]] - played for Air21 in the import-laden conferences during the 2010 - 11 season.
* [[Evan Brock]] – played in the 2013 Commissioner's Cup.
* [[Gabe Freeman]] - former best import who played for Barako Bull during the 2012 Commissioner's Cup.
* Leroy Hickerson - had two stints with the team in 2010 and 2012.
* Alvin Jefferson – known for breaking the Araneta Coliseum backboard in a preseason game but played only two games in the 2004 Fiesta Conference.
* Mike Maddox - played as a replacement in the 2004 Fiesta Conference.
* [[Liam McMorrow]] - played for Barako Bull during the 2015 Governors' Cup.
* [[Anthony Miller (basketball)|Anthony Miller]] – played for FedEx in the 2005 Fiesta Conference.
* Franz Pierre-Louis – played for FedEx in the 2002 Commissioners Cup.
* [[Roderick Rhodes]] – one of the first two imports in team history.
* Jeremy Robinson – played as a replacement import for one game.
* Terrence Shannon – played for FedEx in the 2003 Reinforced Conference.
* Jermaine Walker – played for FedEx in the 2002 Governors Cup.

==Coaches==
* [[Derrick Pumaren]] (2002–2003)
* [[Bonnie Garcia (coach)|Bonnie Garcia]] (2003–2004)
* [[Joe Lipa]] (2004–2005)
* [[Bong Ramos]] (2005, 2011, 2012–2014)
* [[Bo Perasol]] (2005–2009)
* [[Yeng Guiao]] (2009–2011)
* [[Junel Baculi]] (2011–2012)
* [[Siot Tanquingcen]] (2014)
* [[Koy Banal]] (2014–2016)

==Awards==

===Individual awards===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy |border=2}}" | PBA Rookie of the Year
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | PBA All-Defensive Team
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | PBA Mythical First Team
|-
| valign="top" |
* [[Renren Ritualo]] ([[2002 PBA season|2002]])
| valign="top" |
* [[Wynne Arboleda]] ([[2005-06 PBA season|2005-06]], [[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]], [[2007-08 PBA season|2007-08]], [[2008-09 PBA season|2008-09]])
* [[Gary David]] ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
* [[Arwind Santos]] ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]], [[2007-08 PBA season|2007-08]], [[2008-09 PBA season|2008-09]])
* [[Doug Kramer]] ([[2011-12 PBA season|2011-12]])
| valign="top" |
* Gary David ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
* Arwind Santos ([[2007-08 PBA season|2007-08]], [[2008-09 PBA season|2008-09]])
|-
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | PBA Mythical Second Team
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | PBA Most Improved Player
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | PBA Sportsmanship Award
|-
| valign="top" |
* Wynne Arboleda ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
* Arwind Santos ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
| valign="top" |
* Gary David ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
| valign="top" |
* Gary David ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] ([[2013-14 PBA season|2013-14]])
|}

===PBA Press Corps Individual Awards===
{| class=wikitable 
|-
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy 
 |border=2}}" | Defensive Player of the Year
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | Comeback Player of the Year
|-
| valign="top" |
* Wynne Arboleda ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]], [[2008-09 PBA season|2008-09]])
* Arwind Santos ([[2007-08 PBA season|2007-08]])
| valign="top" |
* Gary David ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
|-
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy 
 |border=2}}" | Mr. Quality Minutes
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | All-Rookie Team
|-
| valign="top" |
* Renren Ritualo ([[2003 PBA season|2003]])
* [[Ronald Tubid]] ([[2005-06 PBA season|2005-06]])
| valign="top" |
* [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] ([[2004-05 PBA season|2004-05]])
* [[KG Canaleta]] ([[2005-06 PBA season|2005-06]])
* Arwind Santos ([[2006-07 PBA season|2006-07]])
* [[Doug Kramer]] ([[2007-08 PBA season|2007-08]])
* [[Jake Pascual]] ([[2014-15 PBA season|2014-15]])
|}

===All-Star Weekend===
{| class=wikitable 
|-
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | All-Star MVP
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | All-Star Selection
! style="{{PBA color cell| Barako Bull Energy  |border=2}}" | Slam Dunk Contest
|-
| valign="top" |
* [[Vergel Meneses]] ([[2003 PBA All-Star Weekend|2003]])
| valign="top" |
'''2003'''
* Vergel Meneses
'''2004'''
* [[John Ferriols]]
* Vergel Meneses
'''2005'''
* John Ferriols
* Renren Ritualo
* Ronald Tubid
'''2006'''
* Renren Ritualo
'''2007'''
* Gary David
* Ranidel de Ocampo
'''2008'''
* Ranidel de Ocampo
* Arwind Santos
'''2009'''
* [[J.R. Quiñahan]]
* Arwind Santos
'''2011'''
* [[Dondon Hontiveros]]
* [[Danny Seigle]]
| valign="top" |
* KG Canaleta ([[2005 PBA All-Star Weekend|2005]], [[2006 PBA All-Star Weekend|2006]], [[2007 PBA All-Star Weekend|2007]])
|}

==References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{s-start}}
{{succession box
|before = [[Tanduay Rhum Masters]] (2nd)
|after = [[Phoenix Fuel Masters]]
|title = [[List of defunct Philippine Basketball Association teams|PBA teams genealogies]]
|years = 2002–2016
}}
{{s-end}}

{{Barako Bull Energy}}
{{PBAdefunct}}

[[Category:2016 disestablishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Defunct Philippine Basketball Association teams]]
[[Category:Basketball teams established in 2002]]
[[Category:Basketball teams disestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:2002 establishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Barako Bull Energy]]