BY NOLI CORTEZ

BACOLOD - Romel Adducul's road to recovery may not be as long as initially feared.

There is now practically no overt sign of the nasal cancer that has sidelined the Purefoods center in the PBA Fiesta Conference and he may soon return to action earlier than expected.

"Hindi na palpable," related Rene Pardo, the Giants' representative to the PBA Board, in a chat with reporters Saturday evening. "Meaning, hindi na nakikita 'yung maga, at wala na ring nakakapa."

Pardo also quoted team physician Raffy Sanchez as saying Adducul's remarkable progress should enable the Cagayan native to shape up and re-join his team before the season-ending tournament is over.

"Supposedly, hanggang May 7 pa ang treatment niya. After that he will continue to undergo observation. But he can already gradually resume his physical activities," said Pardo.

Once Adducul obtains his medical clearance, Pardo added, he can go back into being in game-shape and get back into his team.

"Mga one month at most na lang siguro. Hindi naman bibiglain, pero alam mo naman ang mga atleta, madaling ma-kundisyon."

Adducul's infected lymph node was discovered and his illness diagnosed during what was supposed to be a routine medical check-up in the latter stages of the Philippine Cup finals last February.

Adducul's malady is known as nasopharyngeal cancer, afflicting the area behind the nose and the back of the throat, the hollow tube at the upper part of the throat that starts behind the nose. He was promptly treated at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital, undergoing chemotherapy session and radiation treatments from Monday to Friday.

There are already encouraging signs. From roughly the size of a golf ball when it was initially found, the lymph node has already drastically shriveled.

"Dati, madali mong mapapansin, pero ngayon, hindi mo na talaga makikita," said Pardo.

Meanwhile, Ginebra, still winless in five games, is bent on replacing ineffective import Ernest Brown but team officials refused to divulge his replacement.

"Yes, we are looking, and I hope he can arrive before our next game," said Kings coach Jong Uichico in an interview Sunday.

Off to their worst start since also going 0-5 in the 2000 Commissioner's Cup, the Kings face the Giants on Friday.