MANILA---Most of the times, the mere silence says it all.

Following Meralco's power shortage for the fourth straight time last Friday, Gregorio and his coaching staff stood outside the team's dugout--literally lost for words, trying to find the switch to get their team going.

"Frustrating but not discouraging, because I expected something like this," mulled Gregorio, whose squad remained winless at 0-4.

The Bolts disposed of their high-flying import Tony Danridge after three games and replaced him with a streak shooter Chamberlain Oguchi, who lit up for a conference-high 43 points in his first crack at the league.

But to no avail.

"The problem is playing good music together," he added. "The problem is probably coexisting."

Explosive scorer Sol Mercado was brought in to add that electric feel to the Bolts charge.

"When I made the move, I was really hoping na maiwasan ko yung ganitong stage," Gregorio told INQUIRER.net following Meralco's loss to B-Meg Derby Ace.

Mark Cardona, the crafty swingman, needs the leather to be mostly effective and so does Mercado, but there can only be one lead vocal in every band.

"There were a lot of apprehensions whether Mac and Sol could play at the same time," shared Gregorio, who remained positive amid rising concerns.

"I think yes, but not yet this time, they are still trying to understand each other," said the multi-titled coach.

Playing heavy minutes in all of their four games, Cardona has only averaged 13.7 points per game while Mercado is just putting up almost the same output as well, norming 14.

Meralco has a plethora of reliable talents like Chris Ross and Asi Taulava, but it won't show on the hardwood until they get their acts in symphony.

"But I am not worried at all, because I know I will find that working chemistry in order for us to win consistently," said Gregorio.

It doesn't take an expert to see that the Bolts face the possibility of missing the playoffs.

"In terms of our current situation now and if you relate it to the conference, the answer is yes (we're in trouble)," concerned Gregorio.

"But if you look at the big picture, I think we’re on our way to recovery---I see progress," he said.

Somehow, Meralco still has time to get it going and some way, Mercado and Cardona will find the right notes to be a melodic tandem.

"The plan is really to make it to the top six. For as long as we’re breathing," said Gregorio.

"I don’t know what the magic number is (to make the playoffs), but we're still within reach," Gregorio finished.

Notice of disconnection: The magic number is five and Meralco's light is flickering.

Ironically, they also have five games left.

Mark Simon Vincent Giongco, Phil. Daily Inquirer