The Fuel Masters will face an improved Bolts roster that added vastly-improved playmaker Nard Pinto in a trade with Blackwater, backup slotman Gabby Espinas, and rookies Trevis Jackson and Bong Quinto.
Cliff Hodge, Ranidel De Ocampo, and Jared Dillinger, Meralco's veteran core, are now healthy and eager to get started with the new arrivals.
The trio spent a considerable time injured or playing hurt during the 2018 season campaign.
"We're healthy for the first time in four years. It's interesting to see how we start this conference and play the entire tourney where we put our best players on the floor," said Meralco coach Norman Black.
Meralco won just four games in the 2018 Philippine Cup to finish in 11th place.