A reliable source disclosed that Perasol is currently vacationing in Bacolod City although the Express have started practicing in preparation for the 2008-09 PBA Season that begins next month.

The same source said Perasol gave the Air21 management a free hand to "seriously approach coach Jaworski" to be the team’s coach.

"He has not resigned as coach. But while he’s away, Air21 now can really pursue (Jaworski). Unlike before when the team tried to get him but at the back of their minds they know they have Bo," the source said.

The same source, who asked not to be named, added that Perasol would join the team this week.

The Bulletin tried to contact Perasol, also a regular employee of the Bert Lina-owned franchise holding a managerial position in one of its branches in the province, but could not be reached. Even the team’s board representative, Lito Alvarez, could not be reached for comment.

Meantime, PBA fans get a glimpse of the new-look Rain or Shine team featuring the electrifying Fil-Am pair of Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado as the league holds its annual pre-season tournament beginning next week.

The Elasto Painters are among the seven teams seeing action in the off-season event set Sept. 14-28 and to be played in non-traditional playing venue within Metro Manila and Luzon.

Reigning Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia, Fiesta Cup runner up Air21 and Talk ’N Text are skipping the two-week tournament owing to the team’s previous commitments outside of the country.

But Norwood, the year’s top rookie pick, Mercado and the rest of Batch 08 are expected to make up for the three team’s absence as they finally get to strut their stuff and get a sample of what PBA brand of play is all about.

The 6-foot-5 Norwood and Mercado, acquired by Rain or Shine in a five-player trade with Alaska Aces including last year’s No. 1 pick Joe DeVance a day after the Draft, are the new face of the revitalized Elasto Painters seeking to turn their fortunes around this season.

How the two fancied freshmen fit in to Rain or Shine’s nucleus of Jay-R Reyes, Rob Wainwright, Ryan Araña, Jireh Ibanes, Mark Isip, Froilan Baguion and Joey Mente will also be highlighted in the two-group, single round robin eliminations.

Bracketed in Group A with Rain or Shine are Barangay Ginebra, Alaska and Purefoods, while Group B is composed of Coca-Cola, San Miguel and Red Bull.